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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed regret over losing one of the club's star players this summer.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reflected on Emile Smith Rowe's departure to Fulham, admitting he regrets not getting the best out of the talented midfielder.
Smith Rowe, who joined Arsenal at age 10, left the Emirates this summer for a reported £34million after struggling with injuries.
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Arteta regrets losing Emile Smith Rowe
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Arteta expressed his gratitude for Smith Rowe's contributions, saying:
"First of all, I have huge gratitude because he came into the team at a tough moment. 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 into the team. He created a different energy straight away.'"
Arteta acknowledged his responsibility to give Smith Rowe a chance to shine, but ultimately decided to let him go.
"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."
Smith Rowe will be expected to start as Fulham take on Leicester this weekend.
The Cottagers opened their season with a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United and manager Marco Silva will be hoping for an improvement.
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