Thierry Henry praises 'outstanding' Bukayo Saka

Ellis Statham Updated: 17 Apr 25 09:41

Having not long returned from a hamstring injury, Bukayo Saka all but confirmed Arsenal’s two-legged UEFA Champions League victory over Real Madrid when finding the net in the 65th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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While Saka can’t take all the plaudits for Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League success, he can certainly take a percentage of it.

The England international returned to the starting XI in the Gunners’ home leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie against Real Madrid, and while he was by no means at his absolute best, he was a continuous threat and was industrious in ensuring Arsenal took a three-goal lead into the second leg.

A week later, Saka had the chance to give Mikel Arteta’s side a 1-0 lead at the Santiago Bernabeu from 12 yards out.

Thibaut Courtois denied him from the spot, but Saka would hand Arsenal the lead in the 65th minute with an audacious chip over the Belgian.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was not shy in praising Saka when conducting an interview with the 23-year-old live on CBS.

Henry said: “Very proud of him (Saka), especially the way he defended.

“At one point, you sprinted back to help (Jurrien) Timber and you didn’t actually have to as he had nobody, and you stopped the ball in the box and cheered yourself along.

“Forget the penalty, forget the goal, which by the way was outstanding and I know the feeling of scoring there, but it’s what you (Saka) do off the ball that impresses me the most.”

Bukayo Saka was also questioned on his celebration, which shared a resemblance with Henry’s renowned celebration against Real Madrid when finding the net in 2006.

When asked if he intended on imitating Henry’s celebration, Saka said: “To be fair, not really you know. I just wanted to have my own moment.

“Of course, Thierry has done the same here so it’s nice that we can both share this picture.”

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