UCL: What Saka told me before Arsenal win over Atletico – Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry, has revealed what Bukayo Saka told him before the Gunners’ victory over Atletico Madrid in the semi-final of the Champions League.

Saka’s first half goal was all the Gunners needed to secure a place in this season’s Champions League final.

Henry praised Saka for his resilience in overcoming injury, as his goal propelled Arsenal to their first Champions League final in two decades.

Saka’s playing time has been meticulously monitored over the past week following his return from an Achilles injury, which had sidelined him for the last five matches.

The Arsenal winger was exceptional against Fulham over the weekend upon his return to the starting lineup, and he delivered once more on Tuesday night against Atletico Madrid.

Saka was substituted just before the hour mark after scoring before half-time, with the Gunners managing to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory, earning a place in the final later this month.

Henry was quick to commend Saka in the post-match interview, sharing that the winger had expressed his determination to regain full fitness during their conversation over the past week.

He said on CBS, “I would love to see if we can speak to Bukayo because I want him to convey to people that being a footballer is not always about the glamorous aspects.

“He has faced scrutiny all season. Can he be the one? Is he not the one? Is he the star boy? Is he not the star boy? Is he superior to others or not? Today, he had to perform with minimal training. I am aware he is struggling with his Achilles tendon.

“He returned, I spoke with him, and he was adamant, ‘I must be on the pitch. I must play against Fulham. I have to. It’s do or die.’

“Thus, we must give these players significant credit. At times, we take their efforts for granted. We have all played through injuries. We have all experienced moments when we are not at 100 percent, and he had to step up and deliver for Arsenal.”