For Bukayo Saka, returning to his childhood school, as documented by Sky Sports Premier League, was a moment of profound significance, far surpassing a typical celebrity visit. The star's arrival sparked an immense reaction from the children, who consider him their inspiration and role model. Saka described the feeling as "beautiful," noting that while he anticipated the response, being "actually in the moment" felt "sweeter". He deemed the visit his favorite project yet, particularly enjoying the kids' presentations.
Saka’s roots run deep in the school’s history; he recalled the fondest memory of "making history" when his team, alongside his brother's team, became the first to win a trophy there. Consequently, his number 10 shirt was retired. This deep connection instilled belief in the community; one adult noted that seeing someone of Saka's "stature" come from "around the corner" will "always install belief" in those who follow. The visit was warm and "really nice", despite the reminder of a schoolboy promise to his year six teacher: that he would buy her a Lamborghini if he made it—a promise Saka claims he doesn't remember, though he is sure he always "believed in myself".
The conversation quickly shifted to the heights of professional football. Saka, now playing for England and booking a place at the World Cup, acknowledged that this life "sounds crazy but that is my life" and is a "blessing" for which he is always grateful to God. He stressed that going to a World Cup is often "overlooked in this country" due to the talent pool, yet "massive players" in the history of the game have never played in one. Saka aims to play in his second World Cup and hopes to go "further than I did in the last one".
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He has strong belief in the current England squad, describing them as a "special group" with something "pretty magical" about them. He praised coach Thomas Tuchel as a "top coach" with excellent "tactical understanding" who is very demanding but knows how to "get the best out of the players". Since Tuchel arrived, England has won all six World Cup qualifiers without conceding a single goal, making things look "promising". Saka believes the competitive environment will guide England to a "good chance" to go far if they work as a team, noting that Tuchel's experience, having "won the biggest of trophies" and competed in many finals, is invaluable.
Closer to home, Saka firmly believes Arsenal are equipped to win the Premier League this season. He noted that as an Arsenal player, there is "always talk" that is sometimes "even overanalyzed". However, this year feels different because the team is a "very strong group" with "a lot of quality". The crucial factor, according to Saka, is the squad depth: despite suffering "a lot of injuries", the players who have stepped in have maintained the level at the top, something that "slipped off in a few seasons" due to fatigue. He views this depth as essential to ensure the team does not "drop off a bit" towards the end of the season. Saka, who has been in the title race the last two seasons, has learned that the league is not won now, in October, but "in April", stressing the need to "staying around it" and building momentum. He also highlighted how new signing Ez, his best friend from England, has "fitted in like a glove".
Saka’s relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, who has guided him "from a boy to being a man," has always been "really good". He is grateful that Arteta has "always put a lot of trust in me from young and until now". He sees Arteta as a coach who has "evolved" through ups and downs and is a "better coach for it". While Arteta is constantly pushing, Saka finds it "important" because he needs that demand, particularly on days he feels like relaxing.
Having recently achieved 100 goal involvements for Arsenal, a "big milestone," Saka is focused on building a legacy and trying to "make history" at the club. He is driven by a strong brotherhood of players who want to "go to the next step" and help win the "biggest of trophies". When asked if he allows himself to think about returning to school next summer as a Premier League champion or a World Cup winner, Saka confirmed, "You have to". He firmly believes it is "definitely possible," stating, "I don't think you can really do anything if you don't believe it".
