Emile Smith Rowe seems to have taken Bukayo Saka’s advice to heart following his Arsenal exit. The 24-year-old, who joined Fulham for an initial £27million fee (potentially rising to £34m) earlier this month, marked his home debut with a goal as Marco Silva’s team beat Leicester to clinch their first victory of the campaign.
Having been relegated to a bit-part role at Arsenal since 2022, Smith Rowe’s promising start at Craven Cottage hints at a resurgence, much to the delight of Fulham supporters. Arsenal ace Saka ought to be similarly thrilled.
The 22-year-old, who spent 14 years with Smith Rowe at Arsenal, sent his former team-mate a touching Instagram farewell message after his Fulham move was announced. He uploaded several photos of the pair, and encouraged him to “go and shine”.
“From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey,” Saka wrote, before adding: “It’s been an absolute pleasure. Go and shine bro!”
Saka and Smith Rowe developed a strong bond after spending nearly a decade in Arsenal’s academy together. They both made their senior debuts during the 2018/19 season and established themselves as regular starters a year or so later.
When asked in 2022 about his best friend at the Emirates Stadium, Smith Rowe didn’t hesitate to name Saka. “At Arsenal, I think me and Bukayo are very close,” he said.
