Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka admits it will be challenging to choose between England or Nigeria, should his impressive Premier League form be rewarded with international selection

In a wide ranging interview with Sky Sports News the teenager discussed a memorable few years rising through the ranks at Arsenal, including:

Saka is yet to receive a call-up from either England or Nigeria but he's attracting admiring glances from both associations.

For the modest but confident 18-year-old it is a decision that will require careful consideration with family members at the right time.

"It's a tough choice," Saka revealed.

"I'm happy to have represented England at youth level but I'm also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents.

"We haven't been picked by any team so it's about staying humble and when the time comes we'll make the decision."

Gareth Southgate has been keeping a close eye on Saka and Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, while Jude Bellingham recently became the most expensive 17-year-old in history following his £25m move to Borussia Dortmund.

The future for England appears bright with Europe's top clubs and their current managers putting faith in the teenage sensations.

"Greenwood and Bellingham have so much quality. Whether they are 18 or 28 or 38 they've got quality and when you've got quality you're going to be in the team, providing you can apply the right attitude," Saka said.

"I feel the age isn't really a factor because they've got maturity and quality beyond their years. That's why they're being trusted I believe."

Mikel Arteta, like Unai Emery before him, is certainly placing his trust in Saka who has scored in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League during his 38 appearances this season.

"Being young and at a big club if you are in the team over an experienced professional the manager is basically telling you without speaking that I believe in you.

"(He's saying) go and do what you can do and that belief gives me so much confidence. Arteta is so detailed and clear and a lot of the players will tell you we are learning from him.

"I feel like we're going in the right direction and we're working hard to hit the ground running next season."

Saka recently scored his first Premier League goal and was this week rewarded with Arsenal's No 7 shirt, previously worn by Robert Pires, Tomas Rosicky and David Rocastle.

"I was so excited to get it. It's stuff you dream of and to think of the legends who have had it is such an honour," he said.

"I liked the number growing up because some of the best players in the world have worn it.

"It shows how much confidence they have in me and I want to repay their faith and hopefully can write my own history in that shirt."

In recent years the youngster has gone from watching Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to assisting his goal at Old Trafford earlier this season.

The youngster added: "In the academy we got tickets to watch (the first team) and I used to see him scoring goals. To now be playing with him is just amazing.

"You know he's going to score a goal for us. He's such a good guy who helps all the young players with advice and he's also funny as well!"

Saka spoke in similar fashion about Arsenal legend Thierry Henry when the Frenchman gave a talk to the academy players a couple of years ago.

He revealed this particular session spent in the company of Henry was on his mind recently when he scored a first league goal.

"His mindset was just so elite," Saka explained.

"He told us about a day that Arsenal were behind and he wouldn't allow his team to lose before running past everyone to score!

"When he speaks to your face and you see in his eyes how passionate he is for the game and how much he wanted to win it shows why he was such a great player.

"You dream of trying to emulate a career like his. As a young player that just inspires you and that's why scoring against Wolves meant so much to me."

Next weekend Saka can emulate Norman Whiteside if he scores in the FA Cup final as an 18-year-old, and although Whiteside's record of youngest scorer in the decider is safe, it would be a proud moment for him.

"The chance to win a trophy in my first full season is amazing. If you told me last year all of this would happen I wouldn't have believed you!

"We have Watford to focus on first to try to build momentum. They are going to be fighting for their lives because they want to stay in the Premier League but we want to win.

"It would be a shame if we have to send them down but at Arsenal we have a winning mentality and want to win every game."

The "humble" teenager admitted he is feeling "blessed" after signing a new long-term deal earlier in July.

With his infectious positive attitude and raw talent the Arsenal No 7 shirt may be occupied for some time.

Source: https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11670/12035867/bukayo-saka-arsenal-winger-says-choosing-between-england-and-nigeria-will-be-tough

Saka will choose England laslas. Some of our players still havent been paid their salaries and benefits for months now. If he knows he doesn't want to carry a placard demanding for salary he should respect himself and choose England.

Fastestmanalive:
Saka will choose England laslas. Some of out players still havent been paid their salaries and benefits for months now. would you play football for a country who won't pay your salary

I don't know why its always difficult for african players to choice their nationality.

But to me, I think Nigeria is the best choice for Saka. the competition for a place in England squad is very tight so after his debut, he'll always need to be at his best to get another chance

mynd44

obembet:


I don't know why its always difficult for african players to choice their nationality.

But to me, I think I Nigeria is the best choice for Saka. the competition for a place in England squad is very tight so after his debut, he'll always need to be at his best to get another chance

mynd44

Yes he may get attention if he plays for Nigeria, but what about important things like good training grounds, equipment, ETC


Some England players who haven't even played up to 5 matches for England still get country benefits like Healthcare and the likes. Whereas some people who have been in the Nigerian squad for years now are still fighting NFF for their retirement benefits.


And let's not forget that clubs don't like purchasing players that play for African countries because of AFCON. AFCON clashes with the European leagues which means that for the duration of the tournament they won't be able to play for their club.

I'm a Liverpool fan and I've seen it happen to my team in form of Matip. Because of AFCON he couldn't defend for us and it caused a lot of problems for us in the 2017/18 season

I will advice dis guy to choose england abeg saka choosed england

obembet:


I don't know why its always difficult for african players to choice their nationality.

But to me, I think Nigeria is the best choice for Saka. the competition for a place in England squad is very tight so after his debut, he'll always need to be at his best to get another chance

mynd44

is it about playing or putting money in your pocket.Gone are those days when footballers play for fun.Now its a career big time and they cash out big.So he better stick with where the better pay and treatment would come from.Nigeria is good for nothing and don't deserve anyone playing for her.Our corrupt leaders should go and play for their country.RUBBISH

He should learn from Tammy because he can't bench Sancho or Sterling

Damnnnnn niggarrr
Isoright

He should choose Nigeria Anyday anytime twice on Sunday

I would have loved him to choose Nigeria, but the problems associated with nigeria and NFF is enough to put any player away. Even ordinary citizens who aren't icons don't want to be Nigerians if opportunities are presented. In between, I love Nigeria because it's my father's land.

For even contemplating it he should remain with England let's see how far he will go

Most of these black players exaggerate thier talent hoping that thier talent will take them all the way through

Space bookers... Smh

Make he dey go.

We are not begging him

He has a better prospect playing for Nigeria than England. England is too congested. Hundreds of players fighting for national team slot.

Oga if u dont want it to end in tears u better choose England ooo...... Tor

England will only use him and dump him. Let him play for Nigeria and see himself shines

Is Nether mix wallet scam?

For me the site is potentially safe for now and we can't decide yet because the site is only days old but still you can still make a registration in the site.

Register here : https://nethermix.com/?ref=404569


My suggestion is register now but don't go some stakes or investments. But still it's up to you to take part of it.

After registration you get instant reward a balance of 1500 Nrx that is estimated ~ 0.04 eth and you can withdraw it on August 1, 2020 with no conditions as per admins says:

Yes, you can withdraw all your bonus and commissions after August 1, 2020 without any investment as per our CEO, but we encourage everyone to take part on our the Daily Staking, you will earn as much as 10% a day good for 5 days. Nethermix is very generous to give you $45.00 as registration bonus, why can’t you invest at least $5.00 for staking? Btw, that investment on daily staking still yours.

In July 25, 2020 they will announce a list of exchanges on which will be available for trading.

And will be traded on August 1 in the pair ETH/NRX and BTC/NRX.

Every users until July 30 will received 1% in NRX Tokens.

Well, It seems a bit too good to be true.

I don't say it's a scam or recommend it but you can still register and it's only take a minute of your time.

Be smart.

Be wise.

Don't stake.

- written by Bink (with web address edited by me, Emma)
Modified

Please it is clear now (as from August 2nd, 2020), do not fall for their trick. Please if you have registered with Nethermix wallet with this link, I am want to alert you that it is scam. Because if you want to widraw your etherium as they promise from August 1st, they are requiring you to pay activation fee again before you can widraw (th I is a sign of advance fee fraud). This is very bad. Please do not activate anything. I thought they will keep to their word. But now I know they are potential thieves. If you have fall for it already, please I am sorry and forgive me.

.

Make he stop deceiving his self thinking he de deceiving Nigerians, everybody known say it is England he will chose if the opportunity come at once from both country

Let him use IBE as case study..

We are not desperate at all, he can chose anyone. He should pick example from Tammy Abraham. With his current form, he might never be in the bench of the 3 lions again

He should choose well before it ends in tears.

Better use your head

Nobody want to associate themselves with Nigeria.


I know he would chose to play for England LAS las.

England made you who you are today. Only logical to choose them . Nigeria cannot be reaping where dem no sow

nawa o