Unai Emery handed Bukayo Saka his Arsenal debut back in November 2018 and the England international has now sent an emotional message to the Aston Villa manager
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has sent an emotional message to Aston Villa boss Unai Emery.
Emery handed Saka his Arsenal debut back in November 2018 during his time as manager of the Gunners. The England international appeared as a substitute in a 3-0 win away at Vorskla Poltava.
Saka had only recently turned 17 years old when Emery had awarded him with his first-team debut. Saka had progressed through the Arsenal academy, with Emery being impressed with the forward despite being at the Emirates Stadium for a few months at the time.
More than five years on, Saka has reflected on his Arsenal debut and sent a message to Emery in the process. The 22-year-old explained why he will forever remain grateful to the Villa boss for giving him his first opportunity in first-team football.
“For me, it was really special,” Saka told TNT Sports when asked about being handed his debut by Emery. “I can never forget him – he’s the one that gave me my debut.
“Obviously you can see all the work put in to get to that stage. He gave me that moment and gave me a lot of confidence as well. He gave me so many more appearances so I’m always grateful to him
“I’m really happy for him,” Saka added, referring to Emery’s impact at Villa Park. “Every time we play against him, I always try and say hello to him and say thank you as well. He was a really nice man and a really nice coach as well and I enjoyed my time under him.”
Emery and Saka have ventured down different paths since that November evening against Vorskla Poltava. Emery is now looking to guide Villa to their first top-four finish in the Premier League since the 1995-96 season.
Villa are currently third in the table and two points adrift of leaders Liverpool having played one game more. Emery and Co. are not in action this weekend due to the winter break, while Liverpool could extend their lead at the top with a victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.
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