Emile Smith Rowe has reiterated his desire to stay with Arsenal throughout his playing career after being rewarded with a new playing contract.
The 20 year-old was one of our brightest sparks last season, enjoying his breakthrough campaign with two goals and four assists from his 20 Premier League outings, adding a further goal and three more assists in the Europa League.
His performances have seen him rewarded with a new long-term deal, as well as being promoted as the club’s new number 10, a reward that has not been taken lightly.
ESR previously claimed that he intended to become a club legend, and talked about being a ‘one-club’ man, and he claims that is still his intention.
“Yeah, 100 per cent,” Smith Rowe told Arsenal Media after signing his new deal. “I said that in an interview and I mean it definitely. I can’t wait to carry on playing for this wonderful club and we’ll see what happens.
“[Signing my new contract] means so much to me. I’ve been waiting for it, and to carry on playing for this club, it means so much to me and I’m so happy.
“I feel like I didn’t really have to think about it too much you know. I’ve been at the club since I was 10 years old, so for me it was just about carrying on at this club, so like I said, I’m really happy.”
It would have been a shock if we were to allow the 20 year-old to leave the club, especially after the season he had just enjoyed, and I feel like he has so much growing still to do, despite already being amongst our most impressive performers.
Some might believe that the number 10 shirt will add unwanted pressure on our young star, but I don’t see ESR as one to shy away, and I think he will more than show his worth to the club.
Can you imagine one or both of Saka and ESR staying at Arsenal throughout their careers?
Patrick
What was esp heartwarming was the 12 minute official club video with ESR talking so naturally and unaffectedly to a keen fan interviewing him(more of a chat between mates really).
ESR was hugely chuffed and honoured at being given the five year contract at all and esp having the No 10 shirt worn by such as Dennis and RvP.
Couldn’t help hugely liking his desire, drive, modesty and determinationto make the club and his manager proud of him; all in one really personable and talented young man.
Good lad. Delighted he’s signed a new contract and may he go from strength to strength.
Never thought I would say this but fair play to Eduma so far… resigning our talent and building youth around it with a sprinkle of experience. Reminds me of GGs teams but with serious potential. Long may it continue.
I’m a realist and am not expecting to challenge next season… but if we can keep this core… who knows for next season?
Give me three weeks of this season and I will probably say sack em’ both…🤣 but hats off to them 🤗