Saka wary of Real Madrid’s reputation for comebacks – ‘Hopefully it does not happen to us’ | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka has spoken ahead of Arsenal’s highly anticipated UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid, describing it as one of the most important matches of his career and expressing hope for a special atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium.

Following Mikel Arteta’s press conference, the Arsenal winger addressed the media and left no doubt about the magnitude of the occasion, stating that it will be his biggest game for Arsenal.

“I think with the Arsenal shirt, it probably is,” he said.

Saka also opened up about the injury he recently overcame and the mental challenges it brought, saying

“It was tough for me, it came at a bad time, but now I am focused on the positive and I could not ask to come back at a better time of the season than now.”

He continued: “I think mentally it was very good for me. Obviously, at first it was very tough for me to discover the severity of my injury, that I was going to have surgery.

“It was very tough for me to hear the news at first, but once the surgery was over and went well, I focused on coming back stronger and I had a lot of time.”

Looking ahead to the match, Saka highlighted the value of playing at home with the support of the fans:

“I have no doubt that the fans will also be up to the task tomorrow and will help create the most beautiful night the Emirates has ever witnessed.”

Saka recently returned from an injury. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Saka acknowledged the challenge of facing a club with Real Madrid’s legacy but remained optimistic, stating:

“It would mean a lot to us. It is the first time the club has played in two consecutive Champions League quarter-finals in a long time, so tomorrow night we want to take the next step and try to reach the goal.

It is Madrid, we must respect it and accept what they have done throughout history, but anything can happen tomorrow, we cannot focus too much on that.”

The England international declined to compare himself to Real Madrid superstars like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe, stating:

“I do not want to sit here saying that they are a level above me or anything like that, because I do not think that way. I will let everyone have their opinion.”

He also admitted: “The Ballon d’Or is a dream.”

Saka also praised Vinicius for how he has dealt with racism: “I know him as a player and I know the journey he has had. Some moments have been tough for him and he has shown that he is bigger than that.”

Lastly, Saka addressed Real Madrid’s reputation for dramatic comebacks, saying: “I think we all know what they do and we have seen their matches and their comebacks, hopefully it does not happen to us.”

Source: SPORT