Bukayo Saka refuses to answer Rio Ferdinand’s stupid question: ‘I don’t want to say anything impulsive because I know you don’t like us.’
Bukayo Saka, reveling in Arsenal’s thrilling progression to the Champions League round of 16, hesitated to single out the ideal opponent for the upcoming stage of the competition. It’s been an impressive 14 years since Arsenal last reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, and their recent success saw them defy the odds with a tense penalty shootout victory over Porto. Despite falling behind 1-0 on Tuesday night, Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal injected renewed energy into the match.
However, the anticipated flurry of goals failed to materialize, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout where David Raya emerged as the hero, securing a 4-2 win. With this triumph, Arsenal now faces the prospect of challenging opponents such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and PSG in the playoffs.
Curious about Arsenal’s preference for their next challenge, Rio Ferdinand posed the question to Saka, asking whether he preferred a formidable opponent or one perceived as weaker to enhance their chances of progressing to the last four. Responding with a knowing smile, the Arsenal winger chose to tread carefully, refraining from making any rash statements.
As the quarter-final matchups take shape, it’s worth noting that, aside from PSG and Arsenal, the other four teams already secured a spot in the quarter-finals have all lifted the prestigious trophy within the past decade. Borussia Dortmund awaits a showdown with PSV, while Atletico Madrid prepares for a clash against Inter Milan, the current leaders of the Italian Serie A.
Despite Arsenal’s history as a former Champions League regular, their journey in the tournament has often fallen short of expectations. The club’s last semi-final appearance dates back to 2009, where they suffered defeat to Manchester United, while their solitary final appearance occurred in 2006.
Under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal emerges as a dark horse in European football, with established powerhouses like Bayern Munich and PSG failing to replicate their previous heights of success. Reflecting on their significant achievement of reaching the Round of 16, Arteta expressed immense pride, highlighting the club’s perseverance and resilience in navigating through challenging moments.
Arteta’s sentiments capture the euphoria surrounding Arsenal’s resurgence, epitomizing the collective effort and unwavering determination that propelled them to their long-awaited milestone. As they prepare for the next phase of their European adventure, Arsenal’s devoted fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of their remarkable journey.
