Interview

Saka - The coaches who have helped me most

It was a landmark day for Bukayo Saka on Wednesday as it was announced that he had signed a new long-term contract with the club.

The teenage forward was quick to pay tribute to those who have helped him in his journey to the first team - and he hopes to repay their faith in the years to come.

"For starters, I just want to say I have to mention Unai Emery because of the amount he believed in me, the opportunities he gave me, I'll forever be grateful for them," Saka told Arsenal Digital.

"And then of course Freddie Ljungberg who's always gone out of his way to advise me and make sure I'm improving every day. These are the coaches I've played under before, but Mikel is amazing you know.

"He manages to give so much detail while at the same time being so clear. It's just amazing to have such a great coach. The future looks bright and that's why I'm happy to be here.

"Everything has happened so quickly. I came up to Colney last year. Freddie was one of the coaches, out of many of the coaches at Arsenal, who believed in me so much. I had Kwame before, Ken, Greg, Ryan Garry - all the coaches who are at Colney that were managing me. They all just believed in me and pushed me to the first team.

"I didn't believe it would happen this quickly but I was always ready and prepared to take my opportunity. Luckily I did and I'm just happy to be in the position I am in today.

"When I look back at it, I'm grateful to all the coaches, the coaching staff and the people around the academy that really helped me and supported me in my journey."