Bukayo Saka says the disappointment of losing two European Championship finals with England and twice finishing runner-up in the Premier League with Arsenal is fuelling his desire to win silverware this season.
After securing a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals last night the Gunners remain in contention on four fronts this season and the winger is aiming high.
“We’re not scared. The last two seasons we’ve competed for the league and come very close,” the 23-year-old told BBC Sport.
“We’re also back in the Champions League – we have some experience there now – so we feel we’re ready to compete for every trophy.
“We really want to take that next step and try to win something.”
On coming so close so often in his five years as a pro – he was even on the bench for Unai Emery’s Gunners when they lost the 2019 Europa League final 4-1 to Chelsea – he continued: “It’s horrible, I’ll be honest. It’s just that extra fuel for me and extra motivation. I want to get it over the line this season and try to lift the trophy, for sure.
“You work the whole season and you’re so close, you’ve literally got one hand on the trophy, you’re in the final or you’re right there to win the Premier League, or whatever trophy you’re competing for that season, and then you don’t win it…it’s like the whole year’s work…and nothing to show for it.
“I know you can be proud of the season and evolution and development, but that’s why more than ever we want to take the next step and win.”
So far, Saka’s only trophy as a senior professional was the 2020 FA Cup, but he didn’t get off the bench that day and the whole final was overshadowed by the fact it was played against the backdrop of Covid-19.
At this point, given the personal accolades he’s earned, you can understand his eagerness to kick on to the next level.