Thierry Henry has given an insight into Bukayo Saka’s condition in the lead-up to the semi-final second leg
Thierry Henry has revealed the private injury messages he shared with Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid.
Saka scored the only goal as the Gunners sealed a 2-1 aggregate win at a raucous Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old, who has had an Achilles issue, only returned to action against Fulham on Saturday, scoring the second goal before being withdrawn at half-time.
After scoring the crucial goal against Atleti, he was taken off just before the hour mark. Post-match, Henry revealed the private chats he’s been having with Saka and how he is still struggling fitness-wise.
Speaking on US broadcaster CBS, Henry said: “I would love to see if we can speak to Bukayo because I want him to explain to people that being a footballer is not always about the glamorous times.
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“He’s been questioned all season. Can he be the guy? Is he not the guy? Is he the star boy? Is he not the star boy? Is he better than him or not better than him?
“Today, he had to play with barely any training. I know he’s suffering with his Achilles tendon. I spoke to him and he came back and was like, ‘I’ve got to be on the pitch. I’ve got to be on the pitch against Fulham. I have to be. It’s do or die.’
“So you have to give those guys a lot of credit. Sometimes we take it for granted. We all played through injuries. We all played with moments where you’re not 100% and he had to do it, deliver it for Arsenal.”
Henry did get to speak Saka and said: “I know what you went through the whole season, I know what you had to endure, what you were listening to from people.
“And what you had to do to be on that field, not only today but also against Fulham. Can you explain the pain, physically and mentally, to be able to reach a final?”
Saka declined to go into details but thanked Henry for his support. The Hale End graduate said: “It’s not the moment. I don’t want to say I’m struggling or make people feel sorry for me. As soon as I step onto that pitch, I have to be ready for the critics if I don’t perform.
“But I’m very happy today. I’ve been speaking to you throughout the season. You’ve been there for me. You know what it’s been like but today’s a very special moment.”
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