Bukayo Saka is preparing for the biggest game of his Arsenal career, with the Gunners set to take on Real Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
Arsenal drew 1-1 with Everton on the weekend in preparation for the European showdown.
Saka played a full 45 minutes against the Toffees, days after making his long-awaited return to action against Fulham.
The Gunners desperately missed their talisman in his absence, and he’ll no doubt be imperative to any threatening moments that Mikel Arteta’s team are able to muster up against Los Blancos.
Bukayo Saka reveals what he admires most about Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry is arguably the greatest player in Arsenal’s history, and Saka will undoubtedly be looking to replicate the Frenchman’s legacy at the club.
The Hale End graduate has the potential to establish himself as one of the Gunners’ most iconic players, alongside Henry.
Speaking to the media on Monday ahead of the Real Madrid clash, Saka revealed that he regularly engages in conversations with Henry, and that he admires the former striker’s confidence.
“For me, I think the biggest thing I take when I speak to Thierry is the confidence that he has in himself,” the 23-year-old said.
“Obviously he gives me a few details in certain situations on the pitch with what he sees it and how he sees the game.
“But for me, when I speak to him, I like the way he is so confident and he genuinely believes that when he’s on the pitch that no one could stop him.
“I think with that belief, he literally destroyed the league. That’s what I admire of him the most.”
Bukayo Saka explains celebration against Fulham
On the pitch for just six minutes after spending over three months on the sidelines, Saka nodded in at the back post to double Arsenal’s advantage over Fulham last week.
After celebrating with his teammates and the crowd, the wide forward ran straight over to the Gunners bench to acknowledge members of the medical team.
Asked about this in Monday’s press conference, Saka responded: “Sam [Wilson] and Ricky [O’Donoghue] work really close with me in my rehab. Every day. The days that people didn’t see.
“Some days were tougher than usual, but they were always there pushing me. Unfortunately Ricky couldn’t make it, he had to be with his son on the night so he wasn’t in the stadium.
“So I always told him in rehab that when I come back and score, I’d come and thank them both. Sam was there, Ricky wasn’t but I gave Sam a hug to show I appreciated the support they gave me.”
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