From the football field to the ring. On August 15, the visiting locker room at Stade Rennais was transformed into an arena of noble art. Jonathan Rowe and Adrien Rabiot took part in a boxing session after the defeat against the Bretons (1-0). We never saw either of them again in the Olympique de Marseille jersey after that. The Frenchman joined AC Milan, where he shines under the orders of Massimiliano Allegri. For his part, the Englishman was also sent to Italy. “Bologna FC 1909 announces that it has definitively acquired the rights to the sporting performances of striker Jonathan Rowe of Olympique de Marseille. Jonathan will be the third Englishman in the club’s history »could we read in the press release published on August 24 by the French team.
With this sale, the residents of the Orange VĂ©lodrome recovered €19.5 million. They also included a 10% percentage on a future resale. For his part, the 22-year-old signed a contract until June 2029 with a monthly salary of around 160,000 euros. Established for almost eight months on the other side of the Alps, the Englishman has not forgotten Marseille. Questioned by the Corriere della Serahe was asked about his experience there and what he learned from it. “It wasn’t easy. There was a lot of pressure, internal and external. The smallest detail was amplified. Then De Zerbi changed training, and that didn’t help me. It’s thanks to him that I chose Marseille: I like their football, I learned a lot, and I wish him the best at Tottenham. »
The “Rowebiot” incident
He also returned to the famous incident with Rabiot. “I don’t blame him. We are adults, sometimes we get carried away by emotion, so we shake hands and move on. This may have happened to others, but it was not made public. In life, everything happens for a reason. » For Rowe, it was surely time to leave Marseille and join Bologna. A club where he had mixed first steps before regaining momentum. In fact, he alternated between appearing on the field and spending time on the bench without playing during the first part of the season. Mute, he ended his drought on December 4 by scoring his first goal in his new colors against Parma. It continued its momentum in 2026.
The London native has indeed scored 5 goals and provided 4 assists during this new year. The last goal is very hot since it dates from Sunday. He was a scorer in his team’s victory against Cremonese (2-1) in Serie A. In detail, over the last month, he scored 3 goals and delivered 2 assists. In short, nothing seems to resist Rowe, who has been boxing in another category for several weeks. “It’s the best moment since I arrived in Bologna. The best moment of my career remains my last year at Norwich in the Championship. I played a lot, I scored a lot of goals (12, editor’s note), even important goals. » The player is relishing this return to the forefront after difficult first rounds in Bologna, where he played little.
Its rebirth in Italy
“It wasn’t easy to understand the style of play, and it took the coach a little longer to fully integrate me into the team. I don’t really know why. Maybe he saw something I didn’t notice. But I continued to work hard to earn my place. We wingers are often replaced, and we must try to be decisive as quickly as possible. Italiano and I are starting to understand each other a lot better. Time favors complicity and a good relationship. » Rowe dealt with it, he who admitted to being more efficient when under pressure. “Some of my goals prove it. In big matches where a crucial goal or a special action is needed, I try to take charge. Like in Rome (1-1 draw in C3, editor’s note). »
Confident in himself, the former OM player has always had that in him since he was little. “I knew I wanted to be a footballer. I can’t say why, it was just my intuition. I realized very early on that I was gifted for this sport. I was physically ready, fast and athletic (…). In the garden of the house where I grew up, there was a small trampoline. When I jumped on it, I could see the legendary arch (of the stadium) above. I heard the chants from the public during big matches. I even had the honor of being the mascot for the first time during an England match (February 2013, 2-1 victory against Brazil, Rowe came on at the same time as David Luiz). I think all this inspired me and made me the footballer I am today. »
A future in England
The hardships also made him the man he is now, having battled Osgood-Schlatter syndrome and injuries at Norwich. “It’s normal. As we grow, the body changes. We suffer from ligament and joint pain. Osgood-Schlatter syndrome, which affects the knee, is common among young football players. Injuries are an integral part of football, especially today with the number of matches: the risks are numerous, especially because of my style of play, because I am often tackled. I am working hard on my recovery and I am preparing my body as best as possible to optimize my physical potential and be 100% for each match (…). Life is not easy, but when faced with difficulties, you must try to overcome them. Fortunately, I managed to overcome several obstacles, on and off the field. It built my character and personality, and pushed me to improve every day to become a better man and a better footballer. »
A fan of Fernando Torres when he was a child, Rowe was inspired by him. “In the end, it’s the little details that make all the difference. Those who know how to refine them raise the level. I didn’t want to be the type of talented player who couldn’t develop his potential. The fear of wasting my qualities pushed me to give my all every day, so as to have no regrets when looking back on my career or my life. I think it shows on the ground. As for my relationships with my teammates, I thank my mother and my family, who made me who I am. I was never afraid to speak my mind, whether during a match or in the locker room. I have always tried to find a good balance between humility off the field and confidence on the field. » Currently in Italy, he is not closing the door to returning home. “It’s the best championship in the world. Making my debut in 2021 was an honor and made me want to play there a lot longer. We always aspire to the highest level. I don’t know when, but I would like to play it again someday. » The message got through.
