"Wasn't ready for this", "Thank you for the beautiful memories" - Arsenal fans react as 24-year-old star leaves club and joins PL rivals

Arsenal fans conveyed their dismay on X after Emile Smith Rowe joined rivals Fulham earlier today (August 2, 2024). The 24-year-old departed from the Emirates after spending 14 years at the club and will aim to find success at Craven Cottage.

Smith Rowe started his football career with Arsenal in 2010, progressing through the academy before making his senior debut in September 2018 under Unai Emery. However, it wasn't until the 2020-21 campaign under Mikel Arteta's tutelage that he made a name for himself and made an impact.

Unfortunately, following a serious groin injury at the start of the 2022-23 season, the England international struggled to break into the starting XI. He made just 33 appearances across competitions over the past two seasons and was linked with a move away from Arsenal to get his career back on track.

Smith Rowe will get a chance to do just that after Arsenal announced his departure from the club earlier today. He penned a five-year deal with the Cottagers for a reported transfer fee of £27 million, plus £7 million in potential add-ons.

One fan reacted by posting:

"I’m broken. I wasn’t ready for this"

Another fan tweeted:

"Thank you for the beautiful memories. Good luck! You can do it"

Other reactions can be seen below:

"Heartbreaking," one fan reacted.

"I can't take this," another added.

"Although the best decision for both parties, but sad to see him leave. Wish him all the best in future," one fan tweeted.

"A sad day. I often get asked why Smith Rowe is so popular. After those awful times, he (and Saka) were exactly what we were all crying out for. Young, fearless, creative, fun. He embodied the start of a new era. Shame it didn’t end up how we all wanted. Hope he smashes it now," one fan posted.

"Really hope Smith Rowe knows how loved he is by Arsenal fans, and how much he contributed in changing our destiny during our lowest point," another chimed in.

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"Definitely the perfect step" - Emile Smith Rowe explains why he left Arsenal to join Fulham

Emile Smith Rowe has outlined why he made the difficult choice to join Fulham, despite spending his entire career so far with Arsenal. He became the Cottager's most expensive signing in the club's history after putting pen to paper earlier today.

Smith Rowe had a decent tenure with the Gunners, garnering 18 goals and 13 assists from 115 appearances across competitions, and winning two trophies in the process. However, injuries and limited opportunities, hindered his growth at the club, especially compared to Bukayo Saka.

Following his transfer, Smith Rowe stated (via ESPN):

"I'm finally here, so I'm really happy for me and my family -- it's a good moment. I'm really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates."

He added:

"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."

Smith Rowe could potentially make his debut for Fulham in a friendly against Sevilla on Monday, August 5.