I believe this is not the perfect time to say this but I say it to clarify the ongoing saga”, Smith Rowe finally came out to reveal the real reason behind His shocking departure from Emirate

I believe this is not the perfect time to say this but I say it to clarify the ongoing saga”, Smith Rowe finally came out to reveal the real reason behind His departure from Emirate

Mikel Arteta has admitted that he failed Emile Smith Rowe after being saddened by his exit from Arsenal.

Smith Rowe joined Fulham in a £34million deal at the start of August after struggling for regular game time at Arsenal. The 24-year-old midfielder penned a five-year contract with Fulham after becoming their record signing and will be central to Marco Silva’s side this season.

He was much-loved by Arsenal fans after a breakthrough 2021/22 campaign in which he bagged 10 Premier League goals. Yet Smith Rowe failed to kick on, with injuries and competition for places at the Gunners undermining his ambitions at his boyhood club.

Arsenal were pleased to bank a good fee for Smith Rowe, but Arteta had mixed feelings personally. Asked if he had felt sad after Smith Rowe left, Arteta replied: “A lot. When I had the talk with Emile, I really felt it.

“First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way. I don’t know how to explain it but that was my feeling. Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away.

“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.”

His words reflected those in Arsenal’s statement after Smith Rowe’s departure was confirmed earlier this month and show the genuine affection between the pair. “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.