After putting pen to paper on his new Arsenal contract, Bukayo Saka revealed that he feels that the time is now for him to help make history for the club.
Our forward has committed his future to the club he has been at since he was eight years old, where he has played nearly 300 times over the past seven-and-a-half years.
And having been a major part of our transformation in that time, the England international feels that the next few years have the potential to be his most successful in red and white, so there’s nowhere else he’d rather be as he aims to start lifting some of the game’s greatest trophies.
Reflecting on his emotions after signing his new long-term deal, he said: “I'm feeling amazing. I think it's a fantastic moment for my family and for me. I feel immense joy to continue my journey at this club. For me, it was an easy commitment and I just hope to win everything here.
“The journey that I've been on, from where I started to where I am now, and the journey the team's been on as well, is a special one. I believe the next few years are going to be the years that we get over the line, and we're able to win trophies and make history for this club. We're back where we belong, fighting for everything.”
This season has seen Bukayo continue his evolution at the club by donning the captain’s armband regularly in Martin Odegaard’s absence, and it admits a responsibility that he is enjoying and helps to get the best out of him.
It was back in October 2023 that he was first entrusted with the captaincy in the latter stages of a 2-2 draw against Chelsea, and he feels that he is growing in the role, having led us out 15 times already this term.
“For the first few times, it was almost like a general shock when you get that armband,” he added. “It's like you've been given that responsibility and it was a massive honour.
“I remember the first time clearly, it was at Stamford Bridge. I wasn't having a great game but I was like: ‘phew, I've got this armband, I’ve got to do something.’ I think I ended up getting an assist. That's what I meant about having an adrenaline shock, it's a good feeling.
“Still to this day, every time I get to wear it, it's a massive honour. I just try to fulfil that role and do what's required of me.”
Gooners of all ages love nothing more than someone who has grown up following the club, eventually playing, and captaining them on the field, and ever since he made his debut back in November 2018, Bukayo revealed that he has felt the adoration of our fans.
Now he is desperate to return that backing in the form of silverware, not only to create special memories for all Arsenal supporters worldwide, but also to ensure that his legacy in N5 will always be associated with golden moments that see our name engraved on some of the biggest prizes in the game forever.
Reflecting on his relationship with our supporters, Bukayo smiled. “In the good moments, in the bad moments, the support I feel from the fans, there's no words to describe it. When I go out for dinner, when I go on holiday, no matter where I go, I feel that love, that energy.
“In my heart, I just want to repay that. So, I hope when I go on the pitch, they see that I give everything and that I just want to do everything to help bring glory back to this club, in
whatever way I can help. I just hope they see that, and hopefully one day we'll be able to celebrate that achievement together.
“When I reflect at the end of my career, I want to be able to look back and see a kid that started aged seven, eight years old on trial for Arsenal and then went the whole way to win every trophy that there is available to win.
“That's the legacy that I want to create, and when I reflect at the end of my career, that's what I want to see. That would make me happy.”
_Watch the full interview with Bukayo - featuring questions from a host of celebrity guests - by pressing play on the video above._
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