Bukayo Saka reveals Mikel Arteta decision that left him ‘speechless’

Bukayo Saka is lost for words when it comes to reflecting on his role as Arsenal’s captain in the absence of Martin Odegaard.

The club’s academy graduate was first trusted by Mikel Arteta to wear the armband in October 2023, filling the void left by Odegaard who was allowed to rest on the bench while the Gunners romped to a 5-0 win over Sheffield United. The Norwegian skipper has been kept on the sidelines through injury this term, affording Saka ample opportunity to lead out the club he first joined as a seven-year-old.

When asked to sum up the importance of captaining Arsenal in an interview with CBS Sports this week, Saka said: “That’s one of the things where I become speechless when people ask me. Everyone knows my journey, where I came from. To take the captain’s armband, walk the lads out at the Emirates Stadium. I can’t put it into words.”

Saka is proud of his career path. The winger had a picture of himself playing grassroots football on his fridge and carved out a spot in Arsenal‘s first team when he was 18, originally forging a role as a left wing-back before Arteta unlocked his full attacking potential on the right side of the frontline.

Arsenal’s part-time captain finds it far easier to talk about his teammates. “I’ve always thought Kai’s an unbelievable player,” Saka gushed to CBS when reflecting on Kai Havertz’s prolific start to the new campaign.

The German equalled Robin van Persie’s record of scoring in seven consecutive appearances at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with an equaliser against Southampton. Saka provided the assist.

“This season he has come out with even more confidence, I think he’s scored in almost every game,” Saka continued. “He’s going to score a lot of goals this season. He has a really good understanding around the box, when to attack it, and that’s why he gets a lot of chances and that’s why hopefully he’ll score a lot of goals.”