Mikel Arteta bids emotional farewell to Emile Smith Rowe following Fulham transfer
- Emile Smith Rowe has joined Fulham from Arsenal
- Midfielder spent 14 years at Gunners through youth teams to senior setup
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu thanked Smith Rowe in parting statement
By Sean Walsh
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta paid tribute to Emile Smith Rowe after the midfielder completed a transfer to Fulham.
The 24-year-old has departed the Gunners, swapping the Emirates Stadium for Craven Cottage in a deal worth an initial £27m plus £7m in add-ons.
Arsenal's confirmation of Smith Rowe's exit was particularly lengthy, giving him an appropriate send-off after 14 years of association.
As part of Arsenal's statement, Arteta took time to thank Smith Rowe for his service and importance to the club's current project.
"Emile's commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him," Arteta said. "He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.
"I'm sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.
"Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham."
Arsenal sporting director Edu added: "Emile is loved by us all at the club. He has been with us for many years, and we are so proud that he has developed through our Academy system into our first team. It has been a positive collaboration to find the right place for Emile, where he will continue to grow and make his mark on the Premier League. We have completed an important and positive deal for everyone.
"We thank Emile for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him well in the next stage of his career."
Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal having made 115 senior appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals. He was notably part of the core group which helped Arteta through their transitional 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, forming a fine attacking partnership with fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka.
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