Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Skaa grew up togehter in Arsenal’s youth ranks (Picture: Getty)
Bukayo Saka has urged his now former Arsenal teammate Emile Smith Rowe to ‘go and shine’ after he completed a big-money move to Fulham.
The England international has agreed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage, with the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
The 24-year-old joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of 10 and progressed through the ranks to make 115 senior appearances for the Gunners in all competitions.
Smith Rowe and Saka broke into the first team at their boyhood club at the same stage and played a key role in helping Mikel Arteta turn Arsenal’s fortunes around.
Reflecting on the departure of Smith Rowe, Saka penned an emotional message on Instagram which read: From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey.
‘It’s been an absolute pleasure. Go shine bro!’
Arsenal will net an initial £27 million from the deal, while the gifted midfielder will enjoy the regular first team football that had become increasingly rare under Arteta.
Emile Smith Rowe celebrates scoring the 2nd Arsenal goal withBukayo Saka during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
‘I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment,’ Smith Rowe told FFCtv.
‘I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my team-mates.
‘Listening to the project, speaking to the manager (Marco Silva) 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.’
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Smith Rowe’s commitment and attitude, adding on his club’s website: ‘I’m sad that Emile is leaving us but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.’
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