Arsenal wideman Bukayo Saka has described the touching message that he received from Gunners’ legend Freddie Ljungberg ahead of Euro 2020.
The young Arsenal man was a surprise inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the tournament, following a positive season at the Emirates Stadium.
He netted seven goals and notched ten assists across all competitions throughout 2020/21 and even scored the winning goal against Austria at the Riverside Stadium as the Three Lions warmed up for the upcoming tournament, that being the first goal for his nation.
Saka has since revealed that he received a message from Ljungberg after the debut strike and was even afforded some advice over how to stave off boredom throughout the month-long camp.
Talking in a pre-tournament press conference, the 19-year-old said: "He [Ljunberg] texted me the other day when I scored. He wrote: 'Congratulations, and make sure you pack a few things that you would do at home and that will keep yourself entertained'.”
Away from the message concerning his international strike, Saka also made sure he saved special praise for the Swede, having worked underneath him at Arsenal’s London Colney training centre during his formative years.
“He has been really good with me,” Saka continued. “From 14, when he took over my development, he challenged me in a way other coaches didn't. He pushed me and saw my potential in a way other coaches didn't.
“All the way to the under-23s he was still pushing me and even in the first team he was still helping me, even until today. He has had a big influence on my career.
“He says different things. Because he was a winger himself he had a lot of experience himself and learning points to give me.
“It is not just the football side, he is a man who helps me with my personal life as well. He is such a top guy and I really appreciate that message from him.”
