Emile Smith Rowe has been handed the iconic number 10 shirt at Arsenal after signing a new deal.
The 20-year-old follows in the footsteps of such luminaries as Dennis Bergkamp, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil and Paul Merson.
The Hale End graduate was subject to transfer bids, with Aston Villa, the key club who sort his signature but this new deal that will last until 2026 quashes any rumours.
Now he inherits the creative midfield mantle and the responsibility that comes with such a number, not that it looks like it will faze him one bit.
“Everyone knows that No 10 is a big shirt, and it is definitely a big position as well,” he told the official website.
“So I’m buzzing, to be honest, 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!
“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 and getting the opportunity to train with him and play with him as well was unbelievable.
“I just want to keep working hard, and hopefully I can play like them and replicate what they’ve done.”
