Saka: Beating United would be the BEST 21st birthday present
by
BUKAYO SAKA is planning a low-key celebration to mark turning 21 tomorrow.
The family and friends with whom he will surround himself on his landmark birthday need not spend too much time worrying about what gift to get him... what he really wants is not something their money can buy him.
“The perfect present would be a win over Manchester United,” said Saka. “I’ll just celebrate with my family and friends, nothing special.”
While Saka is coming of age off the field, he is humble enough to know there is still plenty more football knowledge to absorb.
“I still have a long way to go in my development and a lot to learn,” he added.
“I’ve played important matches and a lot of matches, which has accelerated my learning.”
Another game against United at
Old Trafford will only add to his experience, and Saka said: “Beating United would be a very big thing, because they are a quality team and in good form right now.
“If we can go there and win it will give us a lot of confidence going forward. It’s a special rivalry.
“I’ve seen the games from before, with the big tackles and the fighting. “In games like this it has to be a balance between tactics and passion. “We’re in a good place right now. The next step for us is to try to bring some trophies, win more big games and play at the highest level.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reckons Saka’s emergence in recent years and, more lately, that of Gabriel Martinelli, shows what an exciting place Arsenal is.
He said: “It’s really rare what they’re doing at a big, big club.
“But we have special talents, special people, and a club willing to promote talent and kids and players from our academy – and you can see the results.”