‘Winning the Ballon d’Or is a dream’ – English-Nigerian Bukayo Saka

Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has revealed that while winning the Ballon d’Or remains a personal ambition, his primary focus is securing silverware with the club as they prepare to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

The English international of Nigerian descent, who recently returned from a long injury layoff, is expected to play a key role when Arsenal host the Spanish giants at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 8, in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.

The game marks the two clubs’ first competitive meeting in over 20 years.

Saka underwent surgery for a hamstring injury in December, which kept him out of action for nearly four months.

He made an emphatic return last week, scoring off the bench in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham. Despite his extended absence, Saka has managed 10 goals and 14 assists across all competitions this season.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, he addressed speculation about his Ballon d’Or potential, but maintained that his commitment lies with helping Arsenal succeed collectively.

“For me I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge so I think it’s pretty clear. The fans know how much I love them and you saw on Tuesday I think they loved me back so it’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here. I’m just focused on winning.

“The Ballon d’Or is a dream but my focus is on winning titles at Arsenal.

“I’m just working hard to do the best for my team. Any individual awards that come I’ll accept them”.

Arsenal, aiming for their first Champions League semi-final since 2009, face a stern test against 15-time winners Real Madrid.