Emile Smith Rowe believes he is joining an “exciting project” after signing for Fulham in a club record deal from Arsenal.
Smith Rowe arrives in west London after leaving boyhood club Arsenal for a deal that could reach £34m, after five successful campaigns with the Gunners, rising from academy graduate to first team regular.
The 24-year-old’s recent seasons have been plagued with injuries and lack of opportunities with Arsenal fighting for the Premier League title, after a breakthrough campaign in 2021/22.
The signing of Smith Rowe is a big coup for Fulham and Marco Silva, who will be looking to build on consolidating their Premier League status after an impressive first two seasons back in the top flight.
When asked for his thoughts after signing for the Cottagers, Smith Rowe was adamant Fulham were the best side for him to join to for his career:
“It’s been good to speak to the manager a couple of times and I’m finally here,” Smith Rowe said. “It’s been a tough couple of days, a lot of flying. I’m really excited and I just wanted to get here as soon as possible so I could get going with my teammates and meet everyone at the facilities.
“I think listening to the project and speaking to the manager, seeing what players they have here already, I know a few already.
“I think it’s an exciting project for me and definitely the perfect place for my career going forward. I’m very excited, the boss spoke to me and straight away I could tell. He’s very confident and straight to the point. I’m really excited.
“I’ve learnt how good Fulham are already. Watching them against us last season it was really competitive games and hoping for the same this season.
“It’s been a tough couple of season for me, so it was important for me to feel at home somewhere else so I can’t wait to get started.”
