Emile Smith-Rowe says he wants to “prove” he has what it takes to play for Arsenal following his injury nightmare last season.
The 22-year-old underwent surgery for a long-standing groin problem last season and played just 12 times in the Premier League for the Gunners all season.
But now back fit and a part of Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in the USA, Smith-Rowe says he wants to prove himself to boss Mikel Arteta.
“Last year was really hard for me, so I just want to kick on now and prove that I can play for this club,” he said.
“It was really tough because I had surgery twice, so it was really hard.
“But my family, friends and the club helped me a lot to get through it. I’m just really happy to be pain free right now and get fit.
“This was my first time having surgery, so it was a really hard decision to take but I went for it.
“I’m happy that I don’t feel anything there anymore. I am really happy to be fully fit now.”
Smith-Rowe came off the bench as Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Premier League rivals Manchester United in New Jersey, and the Hale End academy product is now setting his sights on helping his boyhood club to win trophies again.
“I am feeling good, it’s good to be back with the boys, back on the pitch with my team-mates,” he continued.
“My ambition is to get some more minutes this season and really push on. It’s a massive season for me.
“I am at a big club at Arsenal. If I didn’t have competition, there would be no point. I have to push myself every day in training, keep working hard.
“It’s tough competition but it’s good at the same time. I need to keep working hard and believing in myself.
“We’re very ambitious, we want to win trophies. We’re back in the Champions League now, which is good for the club so really ambitious for us and I want to push on now.”
