Bukayo Saka prepares France eliminated from the World Cup this weekend but one of their greatest players has been accompanying him since his Euro 2020 heartbreak and played a part in the England striker becoming one of the young stars in Qatar.
In the wake of his missed penalty against Italy at Wembley last year, one of the messages of goodwill came from an unknown number… and it was Thierry Henry’s. The goalscorer of 228 Arsenal goals wanted to connect with the player of his beloved club and offer support in the face of racist abuse.
The pair have kept in touch ever since, with Henry guiding Saka, although the friendship could be put on hold at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday when Gareth Southgate’s team face Les Bleus, looking to send them out of the competition they won with Henry in their squad in 1998.
“Thierry was in touch,” Saka said. “It meant everything. He showed a lot of character to get my number and contact me. “It’s not just from then on. He contacts me after most Arsenal games and he’s still so passionate about the club and he’s a great person.”
Saka’s training at Arsenal was at their academy’s Hale End base and he’s never met Arsene Wenger, yet there’s still something French about the club after his 22 years as manager. “I know how much my father loves him and how much everyone at the club loves him and of course I know what he has done for the club,” said Saka.
“Thierry and Robert Pires have been at the club and talked to me and helped me and they’ve supported me to this day so I’m grateful to them. Of course, on the pitch they delivered and they were fantastic and they provided silverware for Arsenal, so they will always be legends.”
Saka, with the support of the likes of Henry, has matured in the past 17 months since his missed penalty against the Italians. Known as “B” in the England team, he talks with a smile and says his faith in God takes away other stresses and worries of tournament football.
Any worries about taking another penalty were allayed when he scored from the spot against Chelsea and Manchester United in back-to-back games in April.