Saka Inspires Fans Before UCL Quarter-Final Clash with Madrid, Urges 'Let’s Make It the Best Night at Emirates'
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Bukayo Saka anticipates an unforgettable night at the Emirates as Arsenal prepares for a crucial UCL quarter-final against Real Madrid. After a lengthy injury layoff, Saka is ready to contribute significantly to the team's ambitions.
Key Takeaways
- Saka calls this match the biggest of his career.
- Arsenal aims for consecutive UCL quarter-finals.
- The winger has recovered from a serious injury.
- Fans are hopeful for a memorable night.
- Saka believes the break has mentally refreshed him.
London, April 7 (NationPress) As Bukayo Saka labels this matchup as the most significant game of his club career, the Arsenal winger is confident that the supporters will orchestrate ‘the most breathtaking night the Emirates has ever seen’ against Real Madrid in the opening leg of the UCL quarter-finals.
Arsenal has advanced to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League for two consecutive seasons for the first time since reaching this stage three times in a row from 2008 to 2010.
"It would mean a great deal to us. This is the first occasion the club has reached back-to-back Champions League quarter-finals in quite some time, so tomorrow we aim to take the next step and push through," Saka stated during the pre-match press conference.
"It's against Madrid; we must acknowledge their historical achievements, but anything can happen tomorrow. We can't dwell too much on that,” Saka added.
Saka has been sidelined for over three months due to a hamstring tear suffered at Crystal Palace just before Christmas, which necessitated surgery. Following extensive rehabilitation, he rejoined the squad for the match against Fulham, scoring a goal just six minutes after being substituted onto the field. He also made an appearance in the 1-1 draw against Everton on Saturday, setting the stage for his first start against the Madrid team.
With many Gunners fans placing their hopes on him, the 23-year-old feels he could not have picked a better moment to return.
"It was challenging for me, arriving at an inopportune time, but I’m now concentrating on the positives, and I couldn't have asked for a better time to come back into the action than now," he said.
He further expressed that, as one of the pivotal players for his team, the pressure on the young Englishman was substantial, and the injury granted him the first genuine break of his career, allowing him to recover and feel rejuvenated mentally.
"Mentally, it was beneficial for me. Initially, it was very tough to accept the extent of my injury and the need for surgery, but once it was completed successfully, I focused on returning even stronger, and I had ample time for it," Saka explained.
"Over the past five years, I’ve been playing continuously, so this was my first real break. It was truly refreshing for me. I got to engage in numerous activities that I usually don’t, and it feels wonderful to be back feeling mentally revitalized,” Saka concluded.
