“I don’t know why he always keep me on the bench, i use to train even more than other guys but he will end up dropping me to the bench”- Arsenal’s star Smith Rowe was very emotional after he came out to the media to speak about his failed transfer to Chelsea

Emile Smith Rowe intent on fighting for Arsenal place after failed Chelsea transfer

Emile Smith Rowe says he has changed his mentality in order to fight for his place at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

The 23-year-old didn’t start a game for Arsenal last season and endured a difficult campaign after undergoing groin surgery a year ago.

Smith Rowe was the subject of a late enquiry from Chelsea in the summer transfer window but Arsenal rejected the approach from their Premier League rivals.

The midfielder was handed his first start in 499 days on Wednesday evening as Arsenal sealed a 1-0 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup and has credited Arteta with helping improve his mental strength after his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Being at a massive club like Arsenal, we know there is so much competition,’ said Smith Rowe.

It is always going to be challenging, it is always going to be difficult to cement your place in the team. I have just got to keep believing in myself.

Coming back and not quite getting back into the team, I have had to stay strong in my head and try to stay as positive as I can.

‘I think the gaffer has really helped me with that. He was helping me through my injury and often pulled me for chats about how I can be mentally stronger, stuff like that.’

Smith Rowe is also confident that he is fit enough to cope with the demands of Arsenal’s congested fixture schedule heading into the winter.

‘I have changed a bit of my mentality, just to go for it,’ Smith Rowe said.

‘I have not really got anything to lose. I have tried to change that inside me. I used to have a lot of doubts. I used to question my confidence, at times. But now I am really strong. I am feeling really fit and I am taking that into now.

‘The gaffer has really helped me with that. He was helping me through my injury and often pulled me for chats about how I can be mentally stronger. I tried to support the boys as much as I could when I couldn’t help them on the pitch. It was really tough but I am stronger now.’