Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has credited club legend Thierry Henry with offering timely inspiration ahead of the club’s memorable UEFA Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
The England international, who is of Nigerian heritage, spoke about his pre-match conversation with Henry that took place just hours before Arsenal’s emphatic 2-1 win at the Emirates, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph over the Spanish giants.
The result marked one of the club’s most significant European performances in recent memory.
“I spoke to him this morning already,” Saka told CBS Sports after the match. “But if he wants to speak again later I’m going to be up. I’m not going to sleep tonight, let’s be real.”
Saka and Henry have built a close relationship over the years, with the Arsenal legend playing an informal mentorship role.
Saka has previously acknowledged how Henry’s trademark confidence and presence on the pitch continue to influence his own development.
“The main thing I learned from him is the confidence,” Saka said in a past interview. “When you see the way he plays, the fear he strikes into defenders is already enough. I tried to take that from him.”
During the match, Saka missed a first-half penalty but bounced back with a composed finish in the second half, responding to earlier jeers from the crowd with a defiant shushing celebration.
When asked if it was a nod to Henry, who once celebrated similarly, Saka clarified his intent.
“To be fair, not really. I just wanted to have my own moment,” he said. “But of course Thierry has done the same here and it’s nice that we can share this picture. It’s nice.”
