'I could not say anything' - Smith Rowe admits he ignored Iwobi's message before Fulham move

Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that he ignored Alex Iwobi's message before his move to Fulham in the summer transfer window.

The duo were teammates at Arsenal and it is believed the Super Eagles midfielder wanted to use his connection with the England international to facilitate his move to the Craven Cottage after he fell down the pecking order at the Emirates.

A graduate of the Hale End Academy product, Smith Rowe became a vital player for Arsenal in Mikel Arteta's first season as the club's boss.

His form also informed former England manager Gareth Southgate's decision to hand him a maiden call to the Three Lions.

Unfortunately, injuries set in which cost him his place in the starting lineup and game time, making 25 appearances in the Premier League in his final two seasons at the Emirates.

The 24-year-old then decided to leave the North London club in the summer and was linked with Fulham, which led to Iwobi, alongside Bernd Leno, trying to persuade him to join the Cottagers.

Smith Rowe eventually joined the Cottagers and has revealed how ignored the Nigeria international and Leno before making up his mind to join the club.

But obviously I could not say anything at the time," he told The Telegraph, apologising for "ghosting" them.

Iwobi has played a role in how the three-cap England international has settled down at the Craven Cottage and assisted his second goal of the campaign during Fulham's 3-1 win over Newcastle United.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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