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‘I thought 'you know what, let me try’’

Emile Smith Rowe ensured he will never forget this trip to Singapore, by scoring a superb equaliser against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

The 17-year-old midfielder beat a couple of players before sending his shot from the edge of the area into the top corner, early in the second half.

The Gunners eventually lost the International Champions Cup match on penalties, but that couldn't wipe the smile off Smith Rowe's face. After the match the England youth international spoke to Arsenal Media, to talk us through his first goal for the first team.

"I played a one-two with Aubameyang, one of their players tried to play it back, and I obviously got it," he explained. "Then I saw a bit of space, and I thought 'you know what, let me try, see what happens.' I had time to shoot, so I just thought 'let me try, have a chance', and luckily it just went in. I slipped, but I'm very happy anyway.

"To play with the first team, to get my opportunity is a bit surreal to be honest," he added. "I'm just so happy. I found out (I was going on tour) the day before. The kitman gave me a suitcase and said 'you are travelling to Singapore'. Since then I couldn't stop smiling. It's been a crazy experience so far. I've enjoyed every moment of it."

And it might yet get even better for the youngster, who graduated from the Hale End Academy, when Arsenal play the second and final game of the Singapore trip, against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday.

"Yes, it's my birthday on Saturday," Smith Rowe said. "I turn 18, so if I get on it will be crazy!"

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