Bukayo Saka has admitted to frustration over the season but remains confident that Arsenal will come back stronger next season
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka
Image credit: Getty Images
Bukayo Saka has admitted to frustration over a season that saw Arsenal fall short of silverware, but the England international remains confident that the Gunners will return as a stronger and more united force when the Premier League resumes in August.
Saka, 23, endured a disrupted campaign due to injuries, missing three months of action during a title challenge that ultimately fizzled out. Reflecting on the campaign, he acknowledged the disappointment but expressed optimism about the future.
“It’s been a bit of a frustrating year with injuries,” Saka said. “We all know there’s a lot of speculation around us and who we’re signing this summer. But once that’s all done at the end of the summer, the relationships we need to work on, we’ll work on — at the training ground, at the Emirates, and wherever we’re playing. We will be stronger. I have no doubts.”
The winger also spoke about his personal growth, highlighting his desire to continue improving both physically and mentally.
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“Each year I’ve developed and improved. I’ve still got a bit of a way to go as well. I need to keep on working hard, and with all the games I’m playing and the experiences I’m gaining in tournaments, it’s only going to make me better.”
Arsenal - Bukayo Saka
Arsenal - Bukayo Saka
Saka is currently with the England national team and is expected to feature in the upcoming fixture against Senegal at the City Ground, alongside Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and rising academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Though he was left out of England’s narrow victory over Andorra due to a minor strain, Saka revealed he’s eager to contribute again and praised the national team’s management for easing him back into training.
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“I love coming to England camps and playing for England,” he said. “After the last game of the [club] season, I had a little strain, so fair play to England — they managed me quite well. I was only able to do one or two sessions before the game, so the manager made the decision to leave me out and have me involved against Senegal.”
Despite criticism of the team’s recent performance, Saka remains confident in England’s prospects for the World Cup next year.
“I think we have more than enough world-class players, talents, experienced players. We have the right balance in this team. It’s about getting the best out of all of us, getting us to gel in the right way, and taking that to the World Cup next year,” he said.