in Yoruba, the language of my Nigerian parents.Bukayo” It means “to increase happiness.” There is no name more suitable for a human being.
Bukayo Saka may be the most widely loved bowler in the English game. You love him, we love him too, your partner who doesn't even understand the offside rule loves him too, Arsenal fans will canonize him as a saint tomorrow, and maybe I think some Spurs fans are even thinking the following. He's a great young man, very talented, even though he's playing in red.
Impressing as an auxiliary left-back when he first joined the Gunners' first team, he shone on the left and eventually found a permanent place on the right-back, adding footwork to the game's elite right-backs. Bukayo brought joy, giving him light-headedness and stomach pain. He plays everywhere.
He brings joy off the pitch as well. The image of the Arsenal star riding an inflatable unicorn in the pool at England's European Championship training facility is probably the purest thing we've ever seen. So when Giorgio Chiellini grabbed Bukayo by the collar of his shirt and denied him his best moment on the international stage, the entire nation showered their screens with passionate words.
BeIn Sports recently featured Saka in an interview with Arsene Wenger, asking the great Frenchman his thoughts on the Gunners' hometown hero. And lo and behold, it's a nice watch.
“I don't know him well enough to assess his character as a person,” Wenger said.
“The only thing I can say is from the noise I hear coming from the club. He is an extraordinary person and his actions are impeccable. As a footballer he is top class. He takes responsibility in big matches. I like the fact that I owe it.
“He doesn't moan too much and does well, but he gets kicked a lot. He doesn't scare anyone, but I wish he would stand up to things more. He tries until the last moment. Disciplined, a team player. I have to say that for me he is an extraordinary person. I hope he can stay for a long time because he is an extraordinary footballer.”
“He's a top class soccer player!” ⭐️
Manager Arsene Wenger sent a special message @BukayoSaka87 & @CarrieBrownTV He shared that with the Arsenal winger.
Look at his reaction! ❤️#beINPL #AFC #Slope pic.twitter.com/vTKIhoQgGU
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 24, 2024
“Oh. That means a lot,” Saka replied.
“First of all, he is Arsene Wenger, so you listen to everything he says and you have to listen immediately. I've worked with him for a long time, so it's really nice for him to say that about me. So, thank you, I appreciate it very much.”
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