The Football Interview is a new series where top sports and entertainment figures sit down with host Kelly Somers for deep, honest conversations about football.
The show explores mindset, motivation, defining moments, career highs, and personal reflections. It reveals the person behind the player.
New interviews drop every Saturday across iPlayer, radio platforms, and the sport website. This week, the episode airs on national television at 23:45 GMT in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
From Hale End to Emirates
Bukayo Saka joined Arsenal’s academy at just seven years old. Now 24, he has become a first-team regular, scoring 76 goals in 277 appearances. He has earned the admiration of the Emirates crowd.
Saka featured in the Arsenal side that reached the Europa League final in 2019 and won the FA Cup in 2020. He also played a key role in England’s back-to-back European Championship finals.
This season, he could add another highlight with Arsenal leading the Premier League, chasing a first league title since 2004. The club also expects him to sign a new contract soon.
Speaking on Friday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “He wants to continue with us. It is a healthy and powerful relationship. The journey he has had and what he has become is something we want to maintain. He will leave a legacy at this club and needs to fulfil that role.”
Football from the very start
Before the weekend derby against Tottenham, Saka sat down with Kelly Somers to explain why Arsenal was always the club for him.
Kelly Somers: Why football?
Bukayo Saka: Football brings me happiness. From the moment I realised it existed, I wanted nothing else.
Kelly: Did you ever imagine doing anything else?
Bukayo: Not in my head. My parents wanted a plan B, which made sense. But I only thought about football.
Kelly: What is your first memory of playing?
Bukayo: Playing in the garden with my brother and dad. It was two against one, and I would never lose. I cried and fought to win. That started young.
Kelly: How young?
Bukayo: About four or five.
Kelly: What was the first team you played for?
Bukayo: Greenford Celtic. I remember the kit, the games, even slapping mud off my boots against trees. It shaped my love for football.
Kelly: How old were you then?
Bukayo: Maybe six.
Kelly: When did you realise you were good?
Bukayo: I was humble but confident. I enjoyed the game and my skill made it even more fun.
Kelly: And your position back then?
Bukayo: Always a winger. I played left wing growing up.
Always Arsenal
Kelly: Was it always Arsenal for you?
Bukayo: Yes. At that age, decisions were mostly my parents’. My dad made it clear Arsenal was the club, and I agreed.
Kelly: Why Arsenal?
Bukayo: He believed in the club, the pathway, and the visible opportunity. Arsene Wenger’s trust in the academy impressed him. Arsenal’s style and class were perfect for him.
Kelly: How special is it playing for Arsenal?
Bukayo: It is a dream come true. I grew up watching games, and now I play in front of the fans I admired. It feels amazing.
Kelly: Did you go to matches as a child?
Bukayo: Of course.
Kelly: How did you know you could make the first team?
Bukayo: In the changing room one day, the coach said only one or two players would make it. I decided it had to be me.
Kelly: Many young players don’t realise that.
Bukayo: Coaches sometimes keep it quiet to protect confidence. For me, it showed hard work mattered.
Kelly: Who influenced your career most?
Bukayo: David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang welcomed me into the first team. They gave advice, confidence, and support. It helped me play better immediately.
The person behind the player
Kelly: What is your full name?
Bukayo: Bukayo Moses Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka.
Kelly: Does it reflect your Nigerian heritage?
Bukayo: Yes, and I am proud of it. My parents instilled many Nigerian values in me.
Kelly: Describe a typical day as a child.
Bukayo: I woke up to breakfast my parents left. Hot cross bun with chopped sausage and ketchup. Simple but perfect.
Kelly: How were you at school?
Bukayo: I was a quick learner, grasped concepts fast, and enjoyed all subjects.
Kelly: Your GCSEs?
Bukayo: Around four A*s and four As.
Kelly: Who do you talk to after a game?
Bukayo: Usually my brother. I’m not a big phone caller, but I get congratulatory messages from many people.
Kelly: Ideal day off?
Bukayo: Wake up, walk in nature alone, relax, have breakfast, then go into London with close friends.
Kelly: Hobbies?
Bukayo: Football and coffee. I’m a part-time barista learning latte art. It’s hard but fun.
Kelly: Your proudest career moment?
Bukayo: Being here now. Despite challenges, I remain focused, motivated, and happy. I have found balance beyond football.
Kelly: When did that change?
Bukayo: After an injury last season. Being unable to play opened my mind to life outside football.
Kelly: If you could achieve one more thing?
Bukayo: All the trophies, with Arsenal and England.
Kelly: How would you describe yourself?
Bukayo: I matured naturally. The player and person I am now differs from who I was.
Kelly: You still enjoy fun, right?
Bukayo: Absolutely. Smiling, laughing, and having fun every day is essential.
