Arsenal star Bukayo Saka says his side has “the opportunity to make history” after committing his long-term future to the club with a new five-year contract.
Speaking exclusively to CNN’s Amanda Davies at Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre in London, the 24-year-old described the decision to stay as “an easy choice,” underlining his belief that the current Premier League leaders are built to compete for major honours consistently.
“I think on my side it was an easy choice,” Saka said. “The club is going in the right direction for sure. We have an amazing team, and we’re back fighting for every trophy, so no place I’d rather be. To be playing at the highest level, to be playing for Arsenal, this is everything I want.”
With Arsenal sitting top of the table, talk of a potential league title has intensified. But Saka insists the squad is focused only on what it can control.
“It’s counterproductive to focus solely on that,” he said of the Premier League crown. “You have to do what you can day-to-day because you can’t control the outcome. We’re in control so we’re just looking forward to that.”
Having experienced near misses in previous title races, Saka believes those setbacks could prove decisive in the current campaign.
“It’s not a nice thing. No one’s happy to go through them,” he admitted. “What you learn is crucial and you just have to take it into the moment now which we’re in and try and do what we can to not have any miss next time.”
Arteta’s Influence
Saka was full of praise for Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, crediting the Spaniard as a transformative figure in his development.
“He’s been pivotal for me, crucial in my development. I’ve become a much better player under him. He’s trusted me a lot and I’m very grateful,” Saka said. “When people ask me what I want in a coach it’s him.”
Despite his admiration for Arteta, Saka ruled out following him into management once his playing days are over.
“No chance. No. Definitely no. Hard no,” he said with a smile. “From being a player to a manager, I think it’s x10 the demands and I feel like after playing football I couldn’t see myself being a manager.”
Leadership and Growth
As one of the club’s senior figures, Saka has also taken on greater leadership responsibilities, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband. He says authenticity is key to his approach.
“There are different types of captains, some are more vocal, some lead by example. I’ll just be myself,” he explained. “If you think about it and you force it it’s not going to be received well because people can see if you’re not being yourself. I just try and live in the moment. It’s just my instincts.”
‘Love Always Wins’
Saka also reflected on the racist abuse he endured following the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, describing how overwhelming public support helped him recover from one of the lowest moments of his career.
“Love always wins because for all the hatred and the negativity the love that I received overcame everything,” he said. “Everyone who sent me a message — they were all examples of that love and how that can change a person. Obviously that was a tough moment for me. I was on the floor, but it lifted me up and helped me to come back and do what I’ve been doing in recent years.”
Family at the Heart
In an emotional moment during the interview, Saka read a previously unseen letter written by his parents to mark his new contract — a gesture that left him “pretty speechless.”
“I don’t really see my mom and dad speak with me like this a lot,” he said. “I don’t feel I’m here alone. I feel they’re right with me, and they always have been, so I’m grateful.”
Reflecting on his family’s journey from Nigeria to the UK, Saka added: “Their journey is inspiring. From being in Nigeria to being where we are today as a family… For me the only explanation is God, because it’s not normal. It’s like one in a million chance for me to stand here today. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
With a new contract signed and Arsenal leading the title race, Saka’s message is clear: the foundation is in place — and history could be within reach.
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