Ukayo Saka revealed how Terry Henry contacted him after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final shootout and how one of his biggest regrets is not meeting Arsene Wenger.
The Arsenal striker is set to start against France on Saturday night after scoring in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the round of 16 on Sunday.
The 21-year-old is now his country’s joint top scorer in the World Cup overcoming his Euro heartbreak and subsequent racist abuse he faced on social media in 2021.
Legendary Gunners striker Henry contacted childhood fan Saka after the incident.
Saka, who has proudly followed Arsenal since joining the academy aged 7, would also reveal that one of his biggest regrets is not having met Arsenal’s best-ever manager, Arsene Wenger.
“One of my biggest regrets was not meeting Arsene Wenger,” Saka told reporters on Englandtraining base prior to a match against the world champions.
“I know how much my dad loves him, how much everyone at the club loves him.
“Of course I know what he has done for the club. We also had so many other French players like Thierry Henry and Robert Pires who have been at the club and helped me.
“Thierry called me [after I missed the penalty in the Euro 2020 final]. He showed great character to get my number and contact me.
“After most Arsenal games he contacts me and he is still passionate about the club. He is a great person. To this day they still support me. I am grateful to them.
“Of course they were great on the pitch and won a trophy for Arsenal. They are legends.”
Arsenal’s connection to France continues with defender William Saliba called up for Didier Deschamps’ side.
After being asked about the threat this weekend’s World Cup top scorer poses to England, Saka was asked to name France’s second best player.
He added: “I love William Saliba! No, of course, they have so many players. I could name a few.
“I like Ousmane Dembele, I really like him. They have so many quality players, so we have to be there for them in their own way.”
Gareth Southgate now counts Saka as one of his regular starters, so that he has quickly achieved 23 caps since his debut in October 2020.
Saka now dreams of following in France’s footsteps in 2018 by winning the World Cup in Qatar.
“I always allow myself to dream,” he concluded. “After watching the tournament grow up, I have a lot of memories.
“I remember the South Africa 2010 tournament with the great theme song. I would just wake up and dream that I want to do this, score a goal at the World Cup.
“I always allow myself to dream.”