EMILE NOW A TOP GUNNER
Smith Rowe desperate to follow in brilliant footsteps of Ozil and Bergkamp
ARSENAL starlet Emile Smith Rowe has ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract.
And the ambitious 20-year-old then set his sights on emulating Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil.
The Gunners rejected two bids from Aston Villa worth up to £30million for Smith Rowe, who has been handed the
No.10 shirt worn by
Bergkamp and Ozil
(bottom).
Smith Rowe said: “Everyone knows that No.10 is a big shirt and it is definitely a big position as well.
“I’m buzzing. I can’t wait to get on the pitch.
“It’s really special – I can’t explain the feeling when I found out. I’ve not really got the words to explain it right now. But yeah, I’m really happy.
“The legends that have played here and have worn the shirt... it’s a bit too much right now, but I’m sure I will calm down after a while.
“When I was younger, I used to watch Dennis Bergkamp, and when I was going through the academy, Mesut Ozil was here as well.
“Getting the opportunity to train with him and play with him too was unbelievable.
I just want to keep working hard and hopefully I can play like them and replicate what they’ve done.”
Smith Rowe, who has committed himself to Arsenal until 2026, had four goals and seven assists in 33 appearances for the club last season.
And with Martin Odegaard returning to Real Madrid after his loan, the England Under-21 star could be set for even more minutes.
Arsenal technical director Edu (with Smith Rowe and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, left) said: “Emile represents the future of the club and this is why we have given him the No.10 shirt.
“We have trust in Emile and know he has the potential to be a beautiful player for many years to come.”
Arteta said: “Emile is an intelligent player with excellent ability.
“His sharpness on the turn and exceptional vision have already made him a key player.
“His attitude and willingness to learn have also been very impressive. “We look forward to helping him develop further and becoming even more important to the strong young team that we are building.”