Emile Smith Rowe reveals why leaving Arsenal for Fulham was the 'perfect step'

Emile Smith Rowe is confident of making Fulham his new home and believes leaving Arsenal to join the club is the “perfect step” in his career.

The English midfielder has moved to Craven Cottage from the Emirates Stadium as part of a deal that could eventually be worth £34million.

Smith Rowe, who came through Arsenal’s academy, had slipped down the pecking order in north London over the past few years after initially being a key part of manager Mikel Arteta’s plans.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Fulham, with the option to extend it by a further 12 months, and he is convinced it’s the right move.

“It’s been a tough couple of seasons for me, so I think it was important I had to feel at home somewhere else,” he said. “I am really to happy be here and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. 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, 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.

“I am very excited. He (Marco Silva) spoke to me and straight away I could tell he is very confident in how he wants to play. He is very straight to the point and I am really excited.”

Smith Rowe has flown out to Portugal to join up with Fulham’s squad for their pre-season tour. The midfielder wants to hit the ground running this season and is glad the move has been done early this month.

Smith Rowe hopes to settle in quickly and he knows a number of the Fulham players already, including ex-Arsenal pair Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno.

“Alex and Bernd have been messaging me a lot recently! It’s good to finally be here,” he said.

“Ryan [Sessegnon] I know from England youth level. I am really excited to work with everyone on the team.“I am a really attacking-minded player. I like to do everything I can to help the team win. I like to score goals and create goals for my team-mates as well. I can’t wait to meet the fans as well.”