"I'm sad that He's leaving us" - Mikel Arteta Bids Emotional Farewell to Emile Smith Rowe as Midfielder Joins Fulham in £34m Transfer

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his mixed emotions as Emile Smith Rowe makes his exit from the club to join Fulham in a high-profile transfer. 

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed with Fulham for an initial fee of £27m, with the potential for an additional £7m in performance-related add-ons.

Arteta's sentiments were captured in his statement about Smith Rowe's departure. He acknowledged the sense of loss, saying, "I'm sad that Emile is leaving us," indicating his personal and professional attachment to the player. At the same time, Arteta expressed optimism for Smith Rowe’s future, noting, "but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career." This reflects Arteta's understanding of the player's need for new challenges and growth.

Arteta also took the opportunity to commend Smith Rowe’s contributions to Arsenal. He described Smith Rowe as a beloved figure within the club, stating, "Emile is loved by everyone at Arsenal." His remarks underline the strong bond between the player and the team. Arteta concluded with a heartfelt message, saying, "and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect, and best wishes." This emphasizes the deep appreciation and respect the club has for Smith Rowe’s time at Arsenal.