Evening Standard
·05 de outubro de 2025
Arsenal: Bukayo Saka reveals valuable Thierry Henry advice as he targets title push

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·05 de outubro de 2025
England winger learning important lessons from close relationship with Gunners icon and record scorer
Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings
Sign up
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Bukayo Saka is “grateful” to have Thierry Henry as a mentor as he bids to fire Arsenal to the Premier League title.
The pair have a close relationship, which began after the final of Euro 2020, and regularly speak to each other over text.
Henry offers Saka advice around areas such as mentality and the 24-year-old is only to eager to take it on board.
“Sometimes you have to think twice, is that really him? Now I’m starting to get used to it,” said Saka, when asked about receiving messages of support from Henry.
“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.
“I think it’s everything [that he gives advice on], 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.
“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.”
Saka was speaking after finding the net on Saturday during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham. The penalty was the 100th Premier League goal he has been directly involved in across 200 top-flight games.
Saka is the seventh-youngest player to hit that landmark and only the eighth in Arsenal’s history, but he is not satisfied.
“It feels very good,” he said. “But yes, knowing myself, I’m always hungry for more.
“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 anymore, so I’m really happy with that milestone. Like I said, I want to push on for more.”
The win over West Ham took Arsenal top of the Premier League for the first time this season and Saka believes that is impressive given the Gunners’ tough start to the campaign.
Arsenal have had away games at Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle, as well as a home clash with Manchester City.
“A lot of people have a lot to say on how we started the season,” Saka said.
“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.”