Emile Smith Rowe Describes Arsenal Departure as ‘Quite Easy’

Fulham’s Emile Smith Rowe stated that his summer transfer across London from his boyhood club, Arsenal, has been “actually been quite easy,” ahead of the two teams’ match on Sunday. Since making the club-record move to Craven Cottage in pursuit of more consistent playing time, Smith Rowe has started 13 of 14 Premier League matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists. “At the age 24, you want to be playing every week and getting opportunities and it was getting to the point where I wasn’t really getting opportunities anymore for whatever reason,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. He added, “I had to make the decision to move on. I’m getting my chances now and I’m really happy with it.” Smith Rowe further commented, “I obviously want show them what they are missing out on in terms of being there and leaving, but it’s nothing personal. I have so much love for them but obviously I want to win with Fulham.” Smith Rowe joined Arsenal’s academy as a 10-year-old and accumulated 115 appearances for the Gunners. However, he contended with injuries and struggled for consistency over his final two seasons before his departure to Fulham this summer. Reflecting on the move, he remarked, “I thought it would be a lot harder than it has been. It has actually been quite easy.” He continued, “I thought I would be really upset and sad. It was obviously the hardest decision I have ever had to make – but definitely the right one. I feel like I have settled in really well and I am really happy.” He attributed his positive experience to manager Marco Silva, stating, “Marco [Silva]has given me so much confidence, given me the freedom to just enjoy myself and if I make a mistake just go again.”