Bukayo Saka: Cristiano Ronaldo is My Idol

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal maintained their surge in the quest to win the coveted league title, with a resounding 6-0 win against the bottom-placed Sheffield United on Monday, and as per current standings, just two points separate Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal in the title race.

The entire Gunners squad has been a revelation under manager Mikel Arteta, who is aiming to bring Premier League glory back to north London after two decades.

Bukayo Saka has been one of the key stars for Arsenal this season, scoring 13 goals in 26 league matches, and leading the frontline at the Emirates Stadium.

The Englishman, in a surprising turn of events, has expressed his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, referring to the former Manchester United ace and Real Madrid legend as his ‘idol’.

Saka applauded Ronaldo’s exceptional career longevity, although admitted he does not visualize himself enjoying a similar enduring professional journey.   

Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, emphasizing on the influence Ronaldo had during his formative years, Saka said:

"Personally, I can’t [imagine playing for as long as Ronaldo], and that’s why I have so much respect for him. Obviously, when I was younger, he was my idol."

The 22-year-old delved further into the Portuguese international’s unwavering discipline and focus, acknowledging the football legend’s ability to achieve unparalleled success throughout his career.

He added:

"Now that I’m playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him, how he’s managed to stay his disciplined and this focused and achieve everything he’s achieved, so yeah he’s special."

Ronaldo signed for United in 2003 and developed into a world-class sensation during his six-year stint at Old Trafford before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009. Saka was just eight years old at that time.

After a hugely successful nine years at Santiago Bernabeu, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Juventus ahead of returning back to Manchester United in 2021.

Saka squared off against Ronaldo twice during his second spell in the Premier League, before the 39-year-old left Europe for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr.

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