Crystal Palace FC v Fulham FC - Premier League
Emile Smith Rowe has flourished since moving to Fulham from Arsenal in the summer
Emile Smith Rowe has warned Mikel Arteta and Arsenal he will be putting friendships aside when he takes on his old team for the first time tomorrow.
Having been deemed surplus to requirements by his boyhood club, the 24-year-old join the Cottagers in the summer and has flourished under the tutelage of Marco Silva.
After playing a bit-part role at Arsenal last season, the England international has started 13 of 14 Premier League matches since moving to west London and is hoping to remind his former employers of his qualities tomorrow.
‘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.
‘I had to make the decision to move on. I’m getting my chances now and I’m really happy with it.
FBL-ENG-PR-NOTTINGHAM FOREST-ARSENAL
Emile Smith Rowe played a big role in Arsenal’s revival under Mikel Arteta
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‘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.’
‘I thought it would be a lot harder than it has been. It has actually been quite easy,’ he added, reflecting on what has, on the surface, been a straightforward transition.
‘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.
‘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.’
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