Arsenal player Bukayo Saka on raising to the occasion and needing the fans support
07/04/2025
Sobha Realty Training Ground, London, UK
07/04/2025
Sobha Realty Training Ground, London, UK
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SportsTranscript
00:00Hello.
00:01Hello, Gary.
00:03You're back, just in time.
00:05How frustrating, we know you love to play football,
00:08how frustrating has it been to have your first serious injury?
00:12Yeah, it was tough for me, came at a bad moment,
00:15but I'm just focused now on the positives
00:18and I couldn't ask to come back at a better time of the season than now.
00:23I know you've had some big nights,
00:25in terms of your club football, is this going to be the biggest night so far?
00:30I think in an Arsenal shirt it probably will be, yeah.
00:34Because I remember how important it was to you to come back,
00:38you said on social media the reaction of the crowd against Fulham
00:42really lifted your spirits and meant a lot to you.
00:44How important are the crowd going to be for you and the whole team tomorrow night?
00:49Yeah, obviously as the players we're ready and we're up for it,
00:54but I honestly have no doubts that the fans tomorrow are going to be up for it also
00:59and going to help create the most beautiful night that the Emirates fans have witnessed.
01:06Hi Mikaela, how are you?
01:08I'm good.
01:09Snow wants to get injured and be out for a couple of months or wherever it is,
01:12but in hindsight, going away, holiday, a bit of summer in your back,
01:17a bit of R&R like the rest of us have,
01:19has it actually done you good going into this game?
01:21Do you feel fresher than nearly everyone else on the pitch tomorrow night?
01:25Talk us through what that little break did for you, even mentally.
01:30Yeah, so I think mentally it was really good for me.
01:34Obviously it was really tough initially to find out the extent of my injury,
01:38that I was going to have to have surgery.
01:40It was really tough for me to hear the news at first,
01:42but once it was done and it was successful,
01:44I was just focused on coming back stronger and had a lot of time.
01:48Obviously the past five years I've been playing game after game,
01:53so it was the first proper break I've had and it was really good for me.
01:57I got to do a lot of things that I don't really normally do,
02:00so yeah, I feel fresh.
02:02I can give you many, many examples, but you'll get bored.
02:07But yeah, focusing on the question, it's really nice to be back
02:11and I feel fresh mentally for sure.
02:14Tomorrow night we're going to see some world-class players opposite you,
02:17but also on your team as well, you included.
02:21You came through the academy at hair length,
02:23so too have Margot, Skelly, Ethan and Yeri.
02:26One, because you came through the academy like they did,
02:29have they asked you specifically for advice in their journey so far?
02:33And two, what does that show about this football club,
02:36the fact that while other clubs go out and cherry-pick
02:39some of the best players from around the world,
02:41this club still goes back to its roots?
02:44Yeah, that just goes back to the amazing academy we have.
02:48The latest example is those two boys, Miles and Ethan,
02:51and how talented they both are.
02:54I'm always there for them if they want to ask me any questions,
02:57they do sometimes, sometimes they don't.
03:00I always make myself available to them,
03:03and I'm just really proud to see the steps that they're making.
03:07I just hope they keep grounded and keep working hard.
03:11And the fact the academy has brought you through so many times.
03:14Yeah, like I said, this is Arsenal, I think.
03:17This is what we do, we've done it in the past,
03:20and I just hope we continue to keep doing it so we can save more money.
03:29You're in rehab, you're recovering, and this draw has been made.
03:33Just how much of a focal point and incentive was it
03:36to almost get over the final hurdle
03:39and make sure that you're ready for arguably the biggest game of this season?
03:45If you ask my physios, there was a lot of conversation about this game.
03:50I'm waiting to be back, and not just back,
03:53back in good shape and feeling good.
03:56That's what I spent a lot of months working massively towards,
04:01and we're here now, so I'm excited.
04:04The manager was talking about creating your own story
04:07and also not being intimidated by Madrid's history of not playing the opponent.
04:12Can you talk a little bit about that,
04:14and just how determined the players are to make their mark in the Champions League?
04:19You've done brilliantly in the last couple of seasons in the Premier League,
04:22but just how much would it mean to make a statement in Europe?
04:25Yeah, it would mean a lot to us.
04:27It's the first time the club's been in the Champions League quarter-finals
04:32back-to-back for a while now,
04:34so tomorrow night we want to take the next step and try and get it over the line.
04:39And what does it mean, the magic of Madrid?
04:42Yes, Madrid, you have to respect that and accept what they've done in the history,
04:47but tomorrow anything can happen.
04:51We can't focus too much on that.
04:53Hi, Paco.
04:55We spoke to William recently,
04:57and naturally I think the fans are very nervous about his contract situation.
05:00I think those same fans are very nervous about your contract situation.
05:03Could you give or say anything to help ease those nerves of the fans?
05:07Yeah, well, for me I want to win, and I want to win wearing this badge,
05:13so I think it's pretty clear the fans know how much I love them.
05:18You saw when I came on Tuesday, I think they love me back,
05:22so it's a good relationship and I'm really happy to be here
05:27and just focus on winning here.
05:29You seemed pretty intent there in where your head's at,
05:32and I was going to ask you whether that noise you heard the other night
05:36could have changed anything, but it seems that didn't change anything,
05:39it just reaffirmed how you feel about it.
05:41Yeah, no, it just reassured everything.
05:44Like I said, it was special.
05:47You had to be in the stadium to really understand and feel the noise and energy
05:52that they brought that night for me,
05:55so I'm really grateful, and like I said, I just want to win here,
06:00and that's my focus now.
06:03Hi, Bakaya.
06:04You've had some amazing moments for Arsenal, played in finals for England,
06:08but is this game against Madrid and knockout stages of the Champions League
06:11something you dreamed of as a kid and a young player coming through?
06:15Yeah, most definitely.
06:18It's a very big night and the stakes are high
06:21against one of the best teams in the competition,
06:24so I think it's a game that I definitely want to be involved in.
06:28I know you've spoken about coming back,
06:30how do you feel sharpness-wise?
06:32Do you feel as you were before you came on,
06:34or still need some more minutes to get back up to where you were before you had your injury?
06:38No, I feel good.
06:40Obviously you can't define nature,
06:42you need to get on the pitch, get your minutes up,
06:45but I'm feeling good, and the last two games I've felt like I've gone from strip to strip.
06:51Hi, Bakaya.
06:52Obviously when you approach this match we know the occasion,
06:55we know how much your career has meant for you and your family,
06:59but when it comes to the pressure and remaining calm,
07:02you've seen you perform and carry this Arsenal team when they've needed it the most,
07:06how do you approach that,
07:08mending the poor match of maybe this calendar you haven't played before?
07:16That's a good question.
07:18I think for me I'm always focused on doing what I'm in the team to do,
07:23and for me it's making a difference in the final third.
07:29I genuinely believe that if I do that,
07:32the team is so good and the defenders are so good
07:36that we can score more goals in them basically.
07:40My approach to each game is pretty similar.
07:43Obviously some games the stakes are higher, like this one,
07:46but the approach is the same.
07:50James?
07:51Bakaya, I know you've been in touch with Thierry,
07:53and he's been offering you words of advice throughout this season.
07:56What has been the advice and inspiration he's offered to you
08:00going into a game like this?
08:04I think for me the biggest thing I take when I speak to Thierry
08:09is the confidence that he has in himself.
08:11Obviously he gives me a few details on certain situations on the pitch
08:17and what he sees and how he sees the game,
08:20but for me when I speak to him I like the way he's so confident.
08:24He genuinely believes that when he was on the pitch no-one could stop him,
08:28and I think with that belief he literally just destroyed the league.
08:33So that's what I admire about him the most.
08:36Have you let yourself dream about having a moment like he had in Bernabeu?
08:40Yeah, of course.
08:42His moment was his moment.
08:44Here we want to write our own story, but something like that would be nice.
08:50Bakaya, you mentioned how proud you are of the way the club is bringing players
08:53through the Hay-Land Academy,
08:55and obviously your injury allowed the opportunity for Ethan
08:58to play a little bit more football,
09:00and the way he's been curling the ball into the far corner
09:02is very Bakaya Saka-esque.
09:04Have you had any influence on him during that period?
09:07Yeah, Ethan will come and ask me questions from time to time,
09:10but I don't want to take anything away from him.
09:12He's an exceptional talent, he has that natural ability,
09:17and he's got a few similar qualities to me,
09:20in terms of he has got a really good strike of the ball.
09:24So, yeah, I'm just happy to see the way he's evolving and I hope he continues.
09:31The manager was asked earlier about Madrid's front four
09:35and how Arsenal are fearing them.
09:37Do you think that Arsenal have got plenty to beat from you back in the team?
09:42Yeah, 100 per cent.
09:44I think just looking at our home record in the Champions League itself,
09:47I don't think we've lost a game in the last two seasons there,
09:50so I'm sure they know that and they need to be ready
09:53because we're pretty good at the Emirates.
09:55And do you feel, having come back into the team,
09:58you're obviously a big leader in this team,
10:00do you feel that the rest of the players are now galvanised,
10:03focused on the target to win this title?
10:08Yeah, I think, with or without me, the objective is the same,
10:12and it's to beat them and go to the next round.
10:15So, I think, yeah, with me coming back, it's still the same focus.
10:22Just going back to the contract,
10:24is that something you'd like to get done sooner rather than later,
10:27say this summer, so it's done and dusted?
10:30I don't think anyone's really in a rush.
10:33I've got two years left on my contract, so it's pretty relaxed.
10:36Everyone knows my thoughts and I've let you guys know as well,
10:40so I don't think there's any rush really.
10:42Just in terms of tomorrow's match, obviously Real Madrid are the favourites,
10:46or people have them as the favourites,
10:48do you guys feel like you're the underdogs?
10:52I don't even think at all down that way.
10:58I don't know.
11:01James?
11:03Obviously tomorrow you're coming up against Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham,
11:08these players who are in the mix for the Ballon d'Or every year.
11:12Your numbers have been so good over the last two or three years,
11:16do you feel you're getting to that level personally?
11:18Do you feel you should be in that conversation?
11:21What conversation exactly?
11:23For the Ballon d'Or, is it a goal of yours to win it one day?
11:26Yeah, it's a dream.
11:28I think it's a dream for a lot of players.
11:31I'm just working hard to do my best for my team,
11:35and any individual awards that come with it, you accept it.
11:39You mentioned earlier about wanting to win things at Arsenal,
11:42is part of getting to that level as an individual that you win things as a team?
11:46Yeah, 100 per cent, and that's why the focus is always on winning here first,
11:50before anything else.
11:53I just wanted to ask you about your celebration on your comeback.
11:57We saw you head over to the bench and celebrate with Sam and the rest of the team.
12:02Was that something you thought about before the game,
12:04or something that comes to you at the moment,
12:06and how crucial have they been to you over these last few months?
12:10Yeah, Sam Wilson and Ricky, they were really close with me in my rehab every day.
12:16The days that people didn't see, some days were tougher than usual,
12:21but they were always there pushing me.
12:23Unfortunately, Ricky couldn't make it, he had to be with his son on the night,
12:27so he wasn't in the stadium.
12:29I always told them during the rehab that if I did score when I came back,
12:33I would come and thank them both.
12:35Sam was there, Ricky wasn't, so I went to obviously give Sam a hug,
12:39let him know that I appreciate all the effort they're putting in with me.
12:43Working with those guys, you've built your minutes up,
12:45you play behind closed doors and then half an hour, 45 minutes,
12:49within yourself, knowing your body and your mind,
12:51do you feel like, now, I'm ready to start?
12:55Yeah, there's only one way to find out.
12:59Last couple on this side.
13:03Back on the likes of Vinicius Julia and Mbappé,
13:06how far away do you think you are from them, in terms of the ability to learn?
13:12In terms of what, sorry?
13:14How far away are you from those sorts of learners?
13:18I think it's very opinionated,
13:20I think everyone will have something different to say,
13:24but, yeah, I don't really want to start sitting here
13:28saying they're a level above me and stuff like this,
13:30because that's not the way I think.
13:35I'll just leave everyone to have their opinion,
13:37but other things will speak for itself.
13:40Just on your return, it kind of felt like a hero's return,
13:44everyone's been waiting so long for you to come back.
13:46Is there any of that pressure on your shoulders now that you all see
13:49as the hero, this team that's going to drag them through big games like this?
13:55No, not at all.
13:57I think if we're going to win anything here it's going to be a team effort,
14:01and I need my team-mates as much as they need me, for sure.
14:07You talked about your story and how this will be the biggest match,
14:10potentially, of your club career,
14:12but you got international with Korea, you got to two major finals,
14:15gone deep into the World Cup, yourself and Deca's team-mates
14:18have come up against many of these players,
14:21as will a lot of your international colleagues.
14:23How have those big occasions shaped the player that will go out?
14:27We've seen how your penalties have changed,
14:29you just have nerves of steel during that,
14:32but how much have those journeys shaped the player you are
14:35going into a match like this against the Galactica?
14:38I think it's just experience that you pick up.
14:42Obviously sometimes you make mistakes, you learn from them,
14:46but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger,
14:49so I think going into games like this I'm definitely more equipped
14:53from playing all the big games that I've played in the past.
14:57And Jude, have you had many conversations,
14:59and also from his change from playing at Dortmund to going to Real Madrid,
15:03have you seen how he's changed as a player,
15:05the rabble-rousing, the chatting, the gamesmanship on the pitch?
15:08Has he given you any insights,
15:10but does that give you an insight of what you're going to experience
15:13as well tomorrow night?
15:16We've watched Real Madrid, we've analysed them,
15:19we know how good they are,
15:21and the quality that they possess in the final third.
15:24So yeah, we just have to be ready to do our best to deal with that,
15:28and obviously impose ourselves as well.
15:30Have you had a chat with Jude about this?
15:32I had a brief chat with him in the change room,
15:35but not much was said to be fair.
15:38Hi, Kaio, Noah from Sego Sport Netherlands.
15:40A question about Jürgen Thunberg,
15:42what is it like playing alongside him on the right side?
15:45He obviously knows what it's like to be injured for a while,
15:48has he helped you at all in your recovery process?
15:51Yeah, Jürgen's a really top player,
15:54and I've really enjoyed playing with him, especially this season.
15:58We've built a good connection,
16:00very strong, good defender, he can attack as well,
16:04so he's pretty much very well all-rounded.
16:07When I got injured he was there for me,
16:10anything I needed.
16:12He knew how it was, I think,
16:15he was really good with that in terms of keeping me involved,
16:18speaking to me and stuff like that.
16:20But it wasn't just him, a lot of the other players did the same for me,
16:23and that's why I say this team is a real family,
16:26and we can really do things together.
16:31Just at the back.
16:34Vinicius has a very specific journey,
16:37not only shining on the pitch,
16:39but sometimes having to deal with off-the-pitch issues,
16:43racial abuse in some parts of Spanish fans.
16:47Is that a journey that you follow even more closely because of that as well?
16:52Do you follow his journey closely?
16:55Yeah, I know him as a player,
16:58I've seen the journey he's been on,
17:01and yeah, of course, some moments have been tough for him,
17:05but he's shown that he's bigger than all of that,
17:08so credit to him for that.
17:11Last one at the back.
17:17How difficult is it to explain to you as a player
17:21what Real Madrid does constantly season after season?
17:24Scoring injury time, comebacks, penalty shoot-outs,
17:27obviously it's a very difficult competition to win it so many times,
17:30how difficult is it to explain as a player?
17:35I don't understand.
17:38How can you explain as a player
17:40what Real Madrid does season after season in this competition?
17:46I think we all know what they do,
17:49we all watch a lot of their games and we've seen the comebacks
17:53and the late wins that they've recovered,
17:58but hopefully that doesn't happen this time.
18:02Cool, we'll end it there, thank you, guys.
18:05Thank you very much.