Bukayo Saka has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was one of his biggest inspirations when growing up.
The Arsenal star is one of the Premier League’s most exciting players having shone for the Gunners during their sustained challenge for the title.
Saka has been a star performer for Arsenal this term
Saka took huge inspiration from watching Ronaldo as a youngster
Individually Saka has also enjoyed a wonderful campaign having scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The 21-year-old has contributed all-manner of goals to his side this term, something that he has clearly learned from CR7 himself, whom he used to look up to.
Regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time, Ronaldo has shone for clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before heading to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr earlier this year.
But while the 38-year-old is now in the final years of his career, Saka spoke glowingly of the star that he used to emulate as a fresh-faced footballing prodigy.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Saka said: “When I was younger I was always a really active kid.
“Outside my house there was a big green space so we could all go out there, everyone from the close, and play football.
Saka is regarded as one of the most talented players in Europe
“My earliest memory of playing is actually in my back garden, but when I started playing with other kids then it was in the close out the front.
“It just felt natural. I don’t think I was inspired by anyone or anything to play, it just naturally happened in the environment we grew up in.
“The older I got, the more I fell in love with football. I played a lot but watched a lot of football too.
“I used to love Cristiano Ronaldo. A lot of other kids my age used to love watching him as well.
“The different things he could do on the pitch, his skills. The way he took free kicks too, I think a lot of us used to try to emulate that.”
