Many Arsenal supporters have now shared their feelings after seeing Emile Smith Rowe score on his first outing for Fulham.
Emile Smith Rowe may no longer be an Arsenal player, but many Arsenal fans are still keeping tabs on the midfielder.
As a product of the Hale End academy system, who was on the books with the North London club from the age of ten, and who had such a huge impact for the first team when he first broke through, Smith Rowe remains a hugely popular figure at the Emirates Stadium.
The 24-year-old may have fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons, and needed to move on this summer as it was clear he was not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, but many were still sad to see him leave the Gunners.
Declan Rice and other Arsenal players miss Smith Rowe, and sent him emotional messages of farewell after his transfer to Fulham was completed.
However, the 3-cap England international at least had some familiar faces to welcome him to Craven Cottage upon his arrival. Former Arsenal duo Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno reunited with Smith Rowe during his medical.
Smith Rowe will now be feeling even more at home with the West London outfit after scoring on his non-competitive debut for the club.
Arsenal fans react to Emile Smith Rowe goal on Fulham debut
Smith Rowe was introduced as a half-time substitute in a friendly against Sevilla on Monday night. After just seven minutes on the pitch, he connected with a cross to head home from close range.
After seeing him play and score for another club, plenty of Arsenal fans on X shared their emotions.
One said: “Have this feeling I’m gonna follow a lot more how’s Fulham doing this season for some odd reason.”
Another added: “Hoping he has a good career at fulham. it’s still a real shame to see him go, but i hope he smashes it!”
One stated: “Blimey seems really weird seeing him in another kit. Good luck to him though.”
Another chipped in with: “This still hurts too much least he’s getting game time I guess. The one thing I don’t agree with Arteta is not playing him more.”
Why Arsenal sold Smith Rowe
Arsenal were keen to support Smith Rowe this summer, and that meant respecting his wishes. He was not forced out of the club, but he understood that Arteta would not be able to guarantee him regular game time, and so accepted that his time was up.
Smith Rowe shared an emotional farewell to Arsenal after confirming his departure. Meanwhile, his sale will have helped the North London club when it comes to complying with the Premier League’s financial rules.
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