Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals Bukayo Saka ‘has been down’ after the Euros penalty heartache and racism storm but the teenage England forward will be lifted by the love and admiration from football world
By Adrian Kajumba
Mikel Arteta has described the support and love Bukayo Saka has received since his Euro 2020 heartbreak as ‘the biggest trophy he could have.’
Saka, 19, saw his decisive spot-kick saved in England’s penalty shootout final defeat to Italy on Sunday.
Saka, along with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho who were also unable to convert from the spot, were then subjected to abhorrent racist abuse on social media.
Bukayo Saka was subject to racist abuse in the aftermath of England’s Euro 2020 final loss
Gareth Southgate hugs Saka after the Arsenal player’s miss during the penalty shoot-out
Arsenal figures from top to bottom of the club have been in contact with Saka since Sunday’s final to show him their support and that has also been replicated, for all three players, across the world of sport and beyond.
Before Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly against Hibernian the Scottish Premiership side presented the Gunners with one of their shirts with Saka’s name and No. 7 on it in a display of solidarity.
Arteta said: ‘I have [spoken to him], we all have, he’s been down but the support the love and admiration from everyone in world football I think is the biggest trophy that he can have.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, officials and players have been in contact with the teenager
Hibs showed their solidarity with Bukayo Saka by producing a shirt with his name on the back
Giant mural has been unveiled in support of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka
‘He had an incredible season he was the best player in our club for the whole season, he played for England, he earned the place to play right there at 19 year-old.
‘What else do you want? Yes, the cup but you cannot have everything in this football.’
