Saka reveals conversations with Thierry Henry after reaching significant Arsenal milestones | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka headed off on England duty with the words of Thierry Henry still fresh in his mind after marking his 200th Premier League appearance with a landmark goal in Arsenal’s weekend win over West Ham.

The 24-year-old’s second-half penalty brought up his 100th goal involvement in the top flight, with 55 goals and 45 assists, as Arsenal ensured they will go into the latest international break top of the table.

“It feels very good. But yes, knowing myself, I’m always hungry for more,” Saka said after the win over the Hammers. “But at these moments I need to not take it for granted, especially being out with a few injuries in the last few months. I don’t take these things for granted any more, so I’m really happy with that milestone. Like I said, I want to push on for more.”

There was no debate over the spot kick, with Viktor Gyokeres itching to take it too. Saka explained: “No, when I grabbed the ball I wanted to take it, so that was my thoughts at the moment,” he said when asked whether there was any doubt about him stepping up. “We’ll keep our conversations [about who takes them] in the house for now. I won’t say much more.”

Saka revealed that Henry messaged him on the morning of the game, reminding him of the significance of facing West Ham. The two have built a close relationship, with Arsenal’s greatest Premier League player now acting as an informal mentor to the club’s latest homegrown star.

“He reminded me we had lost at home two seasons running against West Ham,” Saka said. “He messages me a lot and I message him too. I’m just really grateful to have that relationship because we all know who he is and what he’s done in the game, especially for this club as well.

“I don’t think there’s anyone better to learn from. It’s a pleasure every time I get to learn from him and get to listen to him and give me some advice.”

It seems significant that Arsenal’s record goalscorer should be taking time out to help the club’s best player today reach new heights. And Saka smiled when asked what it is like to see Henry’s name pop up on his phone. “Sometimes you have to think twice, is that really him? Now I’m starting to get used to it. He’s really close to me. He’s really pushing me and pushing the club. He wants us to win. He’s also a fan, so that’s nice.”

The advice goes beyond technique. “I think it’s everything, from mentality to how you play, to how you are in the changing room. It’s a lot of different things. He’s got a lot of experience, a lot of advice to give, so I just try and soak it all up like a sponge.”

Saka took a knock in the first half but played through it, as usual. “Yes, it’s part of it. I have blood on my hand, my nose is bleeding, my shorts are all bloody. Then after they say that I’m limping.”

He called it “a compliment” that opponents try to stop him by any means, adding: “As a creative player, a winger that wants to dribble, you’re going to get kicked. It’s up to you. You have a choice. Do you get on with it or do you go down? I always make the choice to continue.”

With Arsenal having ticked off away fixtures at St James’ Park, Anfield and Old Trafford, Saka believes they are in an ideal position to push on. “Looking at the fixtures we had and the points we have now going into the break and our position in the Premier League, we’re proud and happy. When we come back after the break, we’re in a good place to push on in the Premier League for sure.”

Next up for Saka is a return to St George’s Park. After injury ruled him out of several recent England camps, he is eager to make an impression on Thomas Tuchel’s squad. “I’m really happy to be back playing for England. I’ve missed a lot of fixtures under Thomas Tuchel, which I’m not happy with. A lot of them due to injuries. I’m really happy that I get a chance to come back to St George’s Park and train with the team, play with the team. I’m looking forward to it.”