Jonathan Rowe is on the brink of rediscovering his best form since leaving Norwich City, embarking on a challenging yet promising journey in Italy with Bologna. The former Norwich winger has recently made headlines, particularly during the Europa League quarter-final match against Aston Villa, where he displayed his skills at the Renato Dall'Ara Stadium. As Bologna prepares for the return leg at Villa Park, Rowe is eager to help his team overturn a 3-1 deficit.
The England U21 international has been making an impact on the European stage, contributing to six goals in his last 11 matches. His resurgence follows a difficult adjustment period at Bologna, where he has gradually earned more playing time in Serie A. Rowe feels he is regaining his rhythm and is determined to surpass the remarkable achievements he had during his breakthrough season at Norwich in the 2023/24 campaign. Read more about Norwich City Appoint Ford to Tackle Injury Crisis.
"It's the best moment since I arrived in Bologna; the best of my career remains my last year at Norwich in the Championship. I played very often, I scored a lot of goals and some important ones," Rowe said in an interview with *Corriere Di Bologna*. Read more about Championship Clubs Splash Cash on Agent Fees.
Rowe has acknowledged the challenges he faced in adapting to a different style of play at Bologna, noting that it took time for head coach Vincenzo Italiano to fully integrate him into the squad. "It wasn't easy to understand your style of football, and it took the coach a little longer to integrate me into the team. I'm not sure why; maybe he saw something I hadn't. But I continued to work hard to try to earn myself space: we wingers are often substituted, and we have to try to be decisive as quickly as possible," he explained.
As he grows more comfortable, Rowe has begun to establish a rapport with Italiano, emphasising that chemistry takes time to develop. "Italiano and I are starting to understand each other much more; time fosters chemistry and a good relationship," he stated.
Rowe's departure from Norwich was not straightforward, having left under difficult circumstances after withdrawing from the squad just prior to their opening-day defeat to Oxford United, which was Johannes Hoff Thorup's first match in charge. His subsequent transfer to Marseille was fraught with complexity, marked by notable performances and controversy, ultimately culminating in his premature exit following a clash with French international Adrien Rabiot.
"It wasn't easy; there was a lot of internal and external pressure. Every little thing was magnified," Rowe reflected. "Then De Zerbi changed the formation, and that didn't help me. He was the reason I chose Marseille: I like their football, I learned a lot, and I wish him all the best at Tottenham."
Despite the ups and downs, Rowe maintains an optimistic perspective. "I don't hold a grudge. We're adults; sometimes we get carried away by emotion, then we shake hands and move on. Maybe it happened to others, but it didn't become public. In life, everything happens for a reason: ultimately, that episode brought me here."
A naturally confident player, Rowe has always embraced significant challenges. He has openly discussed his ambitions during his tenure at Carrow Road and continues to aspire to return to the Premier League. "It's the best league in the world," he affirmed. "Making my debut in 2021 was an honour and made me want to play a lot of games there. You always aspire to the highest level. I don't know when, but I want to play there again one day."
As Rowe continues to excel at Bologna, Norwich City supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely, hopeful that their former star can realise the ambitious goals he so passionately expresses.