Fulham host Arsenal at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday
Emile Smith Rowe joined the Cottagers from Arsenal in the summer
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By SPENCER MORGAN
Published: 08:09 EST, 8 December 2024 | Updated: 08:14 EST, 8 December 2024
Fulham star Emile Smith Rowe wants to show Arsenal what they've lost when the two clubs meet in the Premier League on Sunday.
Smith Rowe had spent his entire career with the Gunners before signing for the Cottagers in a deal worth an initial £27m.
He remained a fan favourite as a product of the Hale End academy but was deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.
The Englishman has shown why he was so highly rated as a youngster since his transfer to Craven Cottage, starting all but one of their Premier League games.
He has contributed three goals and two assists in that time and has no regrets over the move.
‘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.
Fulham star Emile Smith Rowe wants to show Arsenal what they've lost when the two clubs meet
Smith Rowe was deemed surplus to requirements by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (right)
‘I had to make the decision to move on. I’m getting my chances now and I’m really happy with it.
‘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.’