Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his deep regret over the departure of Emile Smith Rowe, a player who once symbolized the club’s bright future. Smith Rowe, who recently completed a transfer to Fulham, was a product of Arsenal’s academy who had shown flashes of brilliance during his time at the Emirates Stadium. Despite his moments of brilliance, Smith Rowe’s journey at Arsenal was marred by inconsistency and injuries, ultimately leading to his move to Fulham in a deal worth up to £34 million.
Arteta, reflecting on the transfer, acknowledged that he did not do enough to maximize Smith Rowe’s potential. “I feel a huge responsibility to give our academy players the chance to shine, and with Emile, I feel like I didn’t get the best out of him,” Arteta confessed. The young midfielder, who struggled with fitness issues last season, found it challenging to secure regular playing time.
Smith Rowe’s departure marks an emotional moment for both the player and the club. Arteta reminisced about the impact Smith Rowe had when he first broke into the first team. “He was the player that made our supporters and the team click. There was a different energy when he was on the pitch,” Arteta said.
“And I have a feeling like ‘argh’, that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously a lot of things happened in that time.
“From my side it was really sad, because I know how those boys feel when they are in that building, how hard everyone works to get them close to the first team, so I feel a huge responsibility to give them the chance. And now, can they sustain this level and make us better? That is the idea.”
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