Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has admitted that he did not “get the best” out of Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe left the Emirates this summer to sign for Fulham.
The midfielder came through the Hale End, having joined the Gunners at the age 10.
However, his time at the club was hampered by injuries and he has now signed for their London rivals in a reported fee of up to £34million.
Arteta has now said he felt he had a responsibility to give him a chance to shine, but the club eventually decided to cash in on him.
First of all because I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment,” Arteta said.
“I think he was the player that made our supporters and the team click, in a way. I don’t know how to explain it but that was my feeling.
“Something changed when he came in the team. He created a different energy straight away. And I have a feeling like ‘argh’, that I have not got the best out of him. Obviously a lot of things happened in that time.”
Transfer: I didn’t get the best out of him – Arteta on why midfielder left Arsenal
