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Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka has penned an emotional message to his outgoing teammate Emil Smith Rowe, who will play for Fulham in the upcoming season. The news was confirmed by the Cottagers on their website.
Smith Rowe, 24, came through the ranks at the Emirates before making his first-team debut in the 2018-19 season. In 115 appearances across competitions, he contributed 18 goals and 13 assists.
However, he slipped down the pecking order in the last few chances and wasn't a first-team regular, appearing only 19 times across competitions last season, bagging two assists.
Fulham pounced on the opportunity to sign the Englishman on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Meanwhile, Saka reminisced about all the memories he shared with Smith Rowe at the Emirates, penning on Instagram:
"From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey. It’s been an absolute pleasure. Go and shine bro!"
Last season, Saka and Smith Rowe helped the Gunners to successive Premier League runners-up finishes and an FA Community Shield triumph. They also reached their first UEFA Champions League quarter-final (losing to Bayern Munich) in more than a decade.
What's next for Arsenal?
Arsenal are currently in pre-season, opening with a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Heath Sports Park in Los Angeles. They then beat Manchester United 2-1 at the SoFi Stadium in LA.
Mikel Arteta's side, though, fell to a 2-1 loss to Liverpool in their next friendly at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia earlier this week. Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho gave the Reds a two-goal lead before Kai Havertz reduced the arrears five minutes before the break. But an equalizer wasn't to be, as they ended their US tour with a defeat.
The Gunners continue their pre-season against Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates on August 7 before playing their final friendly at home to Olympique Lyonnais four days later.
Arteta's side open their new Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 17.
