Fulham playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has revealed why he left Arsenal for their London rival in the summer noting that it was the best thing for him.
Having struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta, Smith Rowe joined Fulham in August for a reported fee of up to £34 million ($44m). The attacking midfielder has insisted that he needed a fresh start in his career.
Smith Rowe has since rediscover his form in Fulham, helping the London club put impressive performance in the league.
Marcos Silva’s Fulham showed their class against Man City and Smith Rowe’s influence in the squad cannot be underestimated.
Smith Rowe while speaking to The Telegraph spoke about his time at Arsenal and how he feels on and off the pitch.
Emile Smith Rowe during his time at Arsenal (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
He said: “But for the last two seasons I haven’t played as much as I wanted to and it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to be happy again. I wanted to be playing. Sometimes you have to think of the best for yourself. I always want to put my club first but at the same time I have to make myself happy. It was probably the toughest decision I’ve had to make (to leave). But I spoke to my family and we decided it was the best thing for me.”
Smith Rowe added: “I kind of just turn into a monster. I just try to let it all out. I just try to put in as good a performance as I can. I try to play every game as if it is my last. I just try to give everything for the team. That’s important.”
The England international was at Arsenal for 14 years but failed to impress with the first team. He has embraced the new task at Fulham, scoring two goals and bagging an assist in nine matches in all competitions.
Smith Rowe will be eager to continue his good form when Fulham host high-flying Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
