Emile Smith Rowe, the aspiring talent at Arsenal, recently poured out his emotions concerning his continued bench role and a failed transfer attempt to Chelsea. The 23-year-old midfielder expressed his determination to fight for his place at Arsenal, acknowledging the challenge of fierce competition in a club of Arsenal’s stature.
Despite enduring a challenging campaign after undergoing groin surgery a year ago and not starting a game last season, Smith Rowe remains resolute in his ambition. Chelsea made a late inquiry for him in the summer transfer window, but Arsenal turned down the offer from their Premier League rivals.
During the Carabao Cup match against Brentford, Smith Rowe made a significant return to the starting lineup after a hiatus of 499 days. He attributed his mental fortitude and improved strength to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who guided him through the difficult period of being sidelined.
Smith Rowe recognized the intense competition at a club like Arsenal and emphasized the need to maintain self-belief and positivity. The midfielder stated that Arteta played a pivotal role in helping him develop mental resilience and overcome doubts about his abilities.
In terms of his fitness, Smith Rowe expressed confidence in coping with Arsenal’s demanding fixture schedule as they head into the winter season. He mentioned a shift in his mentality to embrace a fearless approach, free of doubts and full of determination. The support and guidance from Arteta during his injury phase were instrumental in shaping this new mindset.
Smith Rowe acknowledged the challenging times when he couldn’t contribute on the pitch due to injury, but he found strength in supporting his teammates. He believes those experiences have made him stronger, emphasizing the role of mental fortitude in overcoming adversity.
