“I shouldn’t be saying this” - Bukayo Saka reveals footballer he used to always watch on YouTube during Arsenal academy education days

Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has revealed that he was a huge fan on Brazil international Neymar during his days in the academy. The English forward has gone on to become one of the finest players in the world in his position, having come through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

In a chat with Sky Sports, Saka revealed his long-time admiration for former Barcelona ace Neymar when asked to pick from a number of stars. He said that he used to watch clips of the Brazilian superstar with his friends on YouTube while they were in the Gunners academy as youngsters.

"I have to pick Neymar. I think, growing up, you know, he was probably the one I idolised the most out of all of them. I think there's probably not a clip on YouTube that I haven't seen... Yeah, I think me and my friends, you know, when we used to do education in the academy. Listen, I shouldn't be saying this, but we used to just get up YouTube and just watch Neymar's clips. The stuff he's done and the joy he's brought to the game, yeah I think I'm going to go with Neymar", he said (via @SkySportsPL).

Bukayo Saka debuted for Arsenal while Neymar was still on the books of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Brazilian forward was turning heads at Barcelona and Santos during Saka's time in the academy, and was recognised as one of the world's best players.

Saka has developed into something of a cult hero at Arsenal, himself, since first appearing for the senior team at left-back in 2018. Now 24 and vice-captain of the club, Saka has scored 77 times and provided 74 assists in 284 appearances for the club.

Arsenal closing in on historic Saka contract extension: Reports

Arsenal are close to announcing a new contract for star forward Bukayo Saka, as per reports. The Gunners are keen to extend the contract of the 24-year-old forward to match his status in the game today.

TEAMTalk has revealed that sporting director Andrea Berta has successfully held talks with Saka and his camp, and a new contract has broadly been agreed. The England international will become the first player in the history of the club to receive a £300,000 per week salary once the new deal is announced.

Saka's new deal will keep him at the club until he turns 30 years old in 2031, effectively ensuring that he remains at the club for most of his career. He will join the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Gabriel Magalhaes in signing a new deal with Mikel Arteta's side this year.

Edited by Sulayman Salahudeen