Emile Smith Rowe has sent a message to Arsenal ahead of Fulham’s Premier League meeting with the Gunners.

The two London sides will clash at Craven Cottage on Sunday afternoon, offering the chance for Smith Rowe to face off against his former employers. The midfielder ended his 14-year career in north London during the summer, seeking regular game time after falling down the pecking order at Arsenal. His time at Fulham has so far seen Smith Rowe record three goals in 16 appearances, featuring in every one of their Premier League matches this season. But, before Arsenal travel across the capital, Smith Rowe has admitted that while he has love for his former club, he won’t be giving them an easy ride on Sunday.

“At the age of 24,” he told BBC 5 Live. “You want to be playing every week and getting opportunities and it was getting to the point where I wasn’t really getting opportunities anymore for whatever reason. “I had to make the decision to move on. I’m getting my chances now and I’m really happy with it. I obviously want to show them what they are missing out on in terms of being there and leaving, but it’s nothing personal. I have so much love for them but obviously I want to win with Fulham.

“I thought it would be a lot harder [to move to Fulham] than it has been. It has actually been quite easy. I thought I would be really upset and sad. It was obviously the hardest decision I have ever had to make – but definitely the right one. I feel like I have settled in really well and I am really happy. “Marco [Silva] has given me so much confidence, given me the freedom to just enjoy myself and if I make a mistake just go again.”