Bukayo Saka delivers emotional message after Arsenal injury return - 'I have to'

Fit-again England international Bukayo Saka has sent an emotional message thanking Arsenal supporters for their reaction to his return from injury.

Saka made a welcome substitute appearance from their bench as the Gunners picked up a 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

The England regular scored what proved to be the winning goal for Arsenal minutes after being introduced to the midweek match at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Merino scored Arsenal's opening goal, with Rodrigo Muniz also on the score-sheet for the Cottagers, as the Gunners moved to nine points behind leaders Liverpool in the league table, having played one game more.

Saka replaced Academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, in the 66th minute, in what was his first appearance for Arsenal since suffering a hamstring injury in December. After almost four months on the side-lines, the 23-year-old marked his return with his 10th goal of the season in all competitions and sixth in the Premier League.

Almost 24 hours after scoring the winning goal against Fulham, Saka has taken to social media to thank Arsenal supporters for the warm welcome he received after his long-awaited return from injury.

"I have to acknowledge and thank you all for the energy and love you showed me last night," wrote Saka on X - which was formerly known as Twitter.

"I've never seen or felt anything like what I felt at the Emirates last night. I will never forget that. Truly Grateful!"

Arsenal have just eight Premier League matches left to play this season to try and catch Liverpool in the title race. The Gunners will hope that Saka's return will offer them a boost in the race for the title while also looking ahead to their mouth-watering Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid next week.

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