Over the years, Arsenal has had to make decisions resulting in some truly heartbreaking exits from the club. Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham is a fresh wound for many supporters, who believed he was destined to become a club legend after his breakout at the end of 2020.
Smith Rowe’s departure is one of six particularly painful exits.
In 2000, Emmanuel Petit was sold to Barcelona after three seasons with Arsenal. He had been a key figure in Arsene Wenger’s early success, playing a crucial role in the 1997/98 double-winning season.
Petit scored 11 goals in 118 appearances for the Gunners, and many fans felt he had more to offer. However, after just one season at Barcelona, he returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, yet remains a fan favorite among Gooners despite the controversial move.
Thierry Henry’s departure to Barcelona is arguably the most heartbreaking. As Arsenal’s greatest goalscorer and player, his move in 2007 for €24 million devastated fans. Henry’s exit marked the beginning of a decline for Arsenal, despite his brief and impactful return on loan in 2012.
Cesc Fabregas’ exit in 2011 was another blow. Fabregas, who joined Arsenal’s first team after just one year in the academy, became captain and one of the world’s best midfielders.
His transfer to boyhood club Barcelona was a lengthy saga, and fans were devastated to see a player of his potential leave. Adding to the heartbreak, Fabregas returned to the Premier League with Chelsea three years later.
Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United in 2012 was highly controversial. Joining Arsenal in 2004, he became a standout player and was named captain for the 2011/12 season, scoring 30 Premier League goals.
However, his refusal to sign a new contract led to a £24 million transfer to one of Arsenal’s fiercest rivals. Fans felt betrayed and angry, branding him a “snake” and seeing his legacy tarnished.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Barcelona in 2022 was a difficult but correct decision. After a fallout with manager Mikel Arteta and disciplinary issues, his contract was terminated.
Despite being the only consistent performer during one of Arsenal’s darkest periods, his departure was saddening. His subsequent move to Chelsea slightly damaged his legacy, yet he remains beloved by Arsenal fans.
Smith Rowe’s exit is particularly painful. As an academy graduate and loyal player, he was expected to be a leading light in Mikel Arteta’s project.
However, injuries and emerging talents made his departure inevitable, marking a heartbreaking end to his Arsenal career.
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