Bukayo Saka said on Monday that his injury break was “really good” for him mentally while he was working to stay at Arsenal in the long term. The 23-year-old England striker injured the hamstrings during the 5-1 victory of the Gunners at Crystal Palace on December 21 and required surgery-which led to the first significant absence of his career so far. He made a return to action in the 2-1 victory of Arsenal against Fulham last week before returning as a replacement again in the 1-1 draw on Saturday in Everton. “Mentally, it was really good for me,” said Saka on the eve of the first stage of the quarter -final of the Arsenal Champions League against Real Madrid.
“Obviously, it was difficult at the start when I discovered the extent of my injury and I was going to undergo surgery. But once it was done, and it was a success, I was just focused on the stronger return.
“In the past five years, I had played the game after the match, and it was the first appropriate break that I had and it was really good for me.
“I have to do a lot of things that I don’t do normally. But it’s really nice to be back and I feel cooler mentally, that’s for sure.”
Saka, who scored 10 goals for Arsenal this season, said he was “without a rush” to sign a new contract, but admitted that he was “clear enough” that he wanted to commit his future to the club, where he went through the ranks of young people.
The winger, who should make his first departure since December against Real to the Emirates on Tuesday, he remains two years on his current agreement.
He was given the welcome of a hero when he ended his long absence as a second half substitute against Fulham.
“For me, I want to win and I want to win with this badge,” said Saka. “It is quite clear that fans know how much I love them. And you saw when I came (against Fulham) that I think they love me in return.
“So it’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here.”
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