Arsenal midfielder Jorginho has now opened up about what he and his teammates say about Bukayo Saka behind the scenes.
Jorginho stepped back into the Arsenal starting XI for Saturday’s 5-2 win over West Ham United, after Thomas Partey sustained an injury.
The Italian veteran therefore had a great view to watch Bukayo Saka steal the show at the London Stadium. The 23-year-old winger scored a goal and registered two assists, as he tore the Hammers’ defence apart.
Arsenal fans praised Jorginho, as he played his part in this Premier League victory too, but Saka rightfully hogged the headlines in the aftermath of the match.
Jorginho reveals Bukayo Saka nickname
Jorginho has been in the game a long time, and knows real, world-class talent when he sees it.
The 32-year-old has played alongside many incredible players, and considers Saka to be amongst the best.
However, that does not stop him from joining in when the Arsenal squad crack jokes about the Hale End academy graduate, including giving him an ironic nickname.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdnand Presents podcast, Jorginho revealed the nickname Saka has been given and the story behind it.
He said: “So basically in Brazil, we have this joke and we make this nickname, yes? Brazil, pé, it means feet, foot, yeah? And pesudo, it means big foot. So when it’s like bad technique or control or something like that, so we start calling him like, oh, pesudo. Yeah, he’s going mad.”
The former Manchester United defender then asked: “So you call him pesudo, bad technique?”
Jorginho responded: “Yeah, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he? And he’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.”
How is Saka seen at Arsenal?
This nickname carries with it a weight of respect, and Saka is certainly taken seriously at Arsenal, both by his teammates and by Mikel Arteta and his staff.
Saka is part of the Arsenal leadership group, and despite his relative youth he has already worn the captains’ armband on numerous occasions.
The England international is loved within the club, and by the fanbase. As Jorginho added: “The person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”
There is plenty of pressure on Saka. As a talismanic figure for the club, and Arteta’s most potent attacker, there is a burden of hope and expectation on his shoulders. It is a weight that he has been able to wear lightly, though, underlining the strength of character and remarkable mentality that underpins his success on and off the pitch.
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