EMILE Smith Rowe admitted he wanted to join Fulham “as quickly as possible” and said Marco Silva’s “project” and the players at the club convinced him to make the move from Arsenal.
Smith Rowe, 24, joined in a Cottagers club-record transfer that could rise to £34million after the clubs agreed an initial fee of £27million.
Smith Rowe was with Arsenal for fifteen years. He made his debut aged eighteen and made 115 appearances in all competitions, scoring eighteen goals.
He has three England caps, all from 2022.
“I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family, it’s a good moment,” Smith Rowe said.
“I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my team-mates.
“Listening to the project, speaking to the manager and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”
“We’re very excited to sign such a talented young player, and we look forward to Emile joining the squad in Portugal as we continue to prepare for the new season ahead,” vice-chairman Tony Khan.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta also commented on Smith Rowe’s exit.
Arteta said: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him.
“He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.
“I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.
“Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”
