Key Highlights
- Bukayo Saka discusses his journey with Arsenal and why he always wanted to play for the club.
- He reveals how he became interested in football at a young age and his first memories of playing the game.
- Saka shares insights on balancing his career with personal interests, including his recent interest in becoming a barista.
- The interview also touches on Saka’s achievements with Arsenal and England national team, as well as future aspirations.
A Deep Dive into Bukayo Saka’s Arsenal Journey
In a candid conversation, Arsenal player Bukayo Saka reflects on his journey with the club and what makes him so passionate about football. Joining the Arsenal academy at the tender age of seven, Saka has grown from a young talent to a key player for both the team and England’s national side.
Early Beginnings
Speaking with Kelly Somers as part of The Football Interview series, Saka reveals how his love for football began in his back garden. “Football is happiness to me,” he says, recalling his earliest memories of playing 2v1 against his father and brother. “I would never lose. I would not accept it. I would cry, I would do anything, and that started young.”
Joining the Greenford Celtic team at around six years old, Saka quickly made a mark. “The kit was green stripes with white stripes – it had like a Celtic logo,” he reminisces. “We used to play in a local park, after the game – boots muddied completely and you’d have to slap them against the trees.” His father played a crucial role in his early development, instilling values that still guide him today.
Arsenal – A Dream Come True
Asked about why it was always Arsenal for him, Saka attributes this choice to his parents’ influence. “My dad made it clear to me ‘Arsenal is the club I want you at,’ and I said: ‘OK, let’s go.'” His journey with the club has been nothing short of extraordinary, with highlights including being part of the team that won the FA Cup in 2020 and helping England reach back-to-back European Championship finals.
When discussing his current contract situation, Saka remains optimistic. “I am very aware that he wants to continue with us,” says Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “The journey that he has had at the club, and what he has become, is something we want to maintain.” Arteta’s comments reflect a healthy relationship between player and club, one that Saka acknowledges as crucial for his future with Arsenal.
Switching Off from Football
Bukayo Saka’s interests extend beyond the pitch. He shares how he has taken up an interest in becoming a barista, even jokingly calling himself a “part-time barista.” This personal endeavor reflects his desire to find balance and enjoy other aspects of life outside football. “It’s not just football, but at the same time, football is my life,” Saka explains. “So it’s about finding that little break and switch off as well.”
Reflecting on his career, Saka emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. “As I get a bit older, you understand that sometimes you can’t always be fully invested in football 24/7,” he says. “You need to have a good balance and give your mind some time to switch off as well and enjoy the other aspects of life too.” This sentiment resonates with his decision to explore hobbies like barista work, which he finds rewarding.
Future Aspirations
With Arsenal currently top of the Premier League and chasing their first league title since 2004, Saka is looking forward to what lies ahead. “It’s just a dream come true,” he says about his journey with the club. He also expresses hope for more personal achievements, including signing a new contract with Arsenal. “All the trophies – Arsenal and England – are definitely something I want to achieve in my career,” Saka adds.
The interview not only provides insight into Saka’s professional life but also offers glimpses into his personal journey and aspirations. From his early days as a young footballer to his current status as one of the stars at Arsenal, Saka’s story is one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in both sport and life.
