The 21-year-old completed a season-long loan move to Marseille earlier this evening, with the French club obligated to make the move permanent for an initial fee of £14million next summer. Rowe had told City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup he wasn't 'motivated' to play in the opening day meeting with Oxford United after Marseille's first bid had been submitted, being exiled to the under-21s as a result. He's since apologised to his former team-mates, however, and has now done the same to Norwich fans, while reflecting on his time at Carrow Road.
He said in a statement on his Instagram page: "Dear Canaries, I don't know where to start. These last few weeks have been difficult for me. Not just because of how I let the team down, but because of how I've let you down.
I apologise. "It was uncharacteristic of myself and I totally understand the reaction. I envisioned my departure from Norwich being completely different to this, as we've had an amazing relationship over the years.
"From a young boy coming through the academy to a young man stepping out with the first team at Carrow Road, it's been a journey! "It feels emotional to be leaving, as NCFC has become my family. I've shared an enormous amount of good memories here, and suffered bad moments too. But that's the beauty of football, the highs and the lows! "As I progress into a new exciting part of my life, I wanted to come on here to say a massive thank you to everyone I've come across during my time at the club.
To past and present players, I've made friends and memories for life. To the staff in the academy and first team, thank you for all the guidance and valuable support. "Most importantly, thank you to the fans.
I'm so proud, blessed and grateful to have a club like Norwich be a part of me forever. "Love, JR27.".
