Emile Smith Rowe revealed he is a fan of Mesut Ozil and has been discussing his injury problems, when he will return from fitness, and his best position.

Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe © Dirk Knofe

The young Arsenal midfielder moved to RB Leipzig in the January transfer window but has yet to make his debut due to a groin problem.

When he was officially presented as a Leipzig player, he spoke to the media in Germany, first about his injury: “I have asked no one [when I will be fit to play] and just concentrate on getting fit again.

“If I do not feel fit, I will not play, I do not risk it, that would make my injury worse.

“If I did not play until the end of the season, that would not really be a problem for me, I think coming here is a great experience for me.

“I want to play, of course, that’s why I came here, I work hard with the coaches and will hopefully get some Bundesliga minutes soon.”

He was then asked about his role models and he picked out Mesut Ozil. “I look a lot to him and when I first came to the pros, I could not believe he was there,” Smith Rowe said. “He gives me advice and helps me a lot.”

The 18-year-old was then asked to clarify his position. “When I was younger, I was a winger, but my main positions are at eight and ten.”

Finally, asked if there was a deal between Arsenal and RB Leipzig that would see the player leave London permanently, Smith Rowe replied, “There is no agreement.”