Nigeria-descended England international, Bukayo Saka, has revealed the names of two former Arsenal players who played major roles in helping him settle when he was promoted to the club’s first team. Saka, now one of Arsenal’s most important players, said David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were the senior figures who supported him during his early days at the club.
Saka made the revelation during a recent interview with the BBC, where he reflected on his journey from the Arsenal academy to becoming one of the Premier League’s most admired young stars. According to him, Luiz and Aubameyang not only encouraged him but also helped him build confidence at a time when he was still trying to adjust to life among experienced professionals.
Speaking about his transition into the first team, Saka said:
“I always talk about David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – they both helped me a lot when I came into the team. How they welcomed me… for me, I was quite calm. Of course, coming into Arsenal, these were like my heroes. Players I watched from the stands, and now I had the opportunity to play with them.”
He added that the sudden change from academy football to the senior squad was overwhelming at first.
“It was a completely different experience for me and I didn’t know how to manage it,” he said.
Saka joined Arsenal at the age of seven and developed through the club’s famous Hale End academy, which has produced several top talents, including Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Alex Iwobi and Eddie Nketiah. His promotion to the first team in 2018 marked the beginning of a rapid rise that has seen him become one of the club’s most loved players.
At just 22, Saka is now a key figure for both Arsenal and the England national team. He has become known for his pace, creativity, consistency, and calmness under pressure. He has also played in different positions—winger, wing-back and full-back—showing the versatility that helped early managers trust him.
But Saka made it clear that his smooth adaptation was not only because of his talent or hard work. According to him, the support from experienced teammates made the transition less difficult.
David Luiz, the Brazilian defender who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2019, was widely known for his outgoing personality and leadership in the dressing room. Although his time at Arsenal attracted both praise and criticism on the field, Luiz was respected for mentoring young players and encouraging them during training and matches.
For Saka, Luiz provided reassurance at a time when he needed it most. The defender often praised the winger publicly, calling him “a special player” and advising him not to be afraid of taking risks.
Many Arsenal fans also observed that Luiz often spoke to academy players during warm-ups and was one of the first senior players to celebrate their achievements.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who captained Arsenal before moving to Barcelona and later Chelsea, was another major influence on Saka. Known for his lively character, dance celebrations and close relationship with younger teammates, the Gabonese striker was one of the most popular figures in the squad.
Aubameyang often encouraged Saka and was one of the first senior players to praise him after his early performances. In interviews, Aubameyang described Saka as a humble, hardworking and talented young man who was “always smiling and always ready to learn.”
Saka, in turn, has spoken several times about how Aubameyang’s friendliness made the dressing room feel comfortable for him.
Today, Saka is no longer the nervous academy teenager who needed help to settle. He is now one of Arsenal’s leaders, despite his age. He has become the face of the club’s rebuilding under manager Mikel Arteta and has been central to Arsenal’s recent challenges for the Premier League title.
He has also become one of England’s most important players, starring at the European Championship and the World Cup. In 2021, he became a national symbol of resilience after facing racist abuse for missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final. But instead of slowing down, Saka grew stronger, earning the hearts of fans in England, Nigeria and around the world.
Saka, who is of Nigerian descent, continues to be celebrated by Nigerian fans despite choosing to play for England instead of the Super Eagles. Many see him as a symbol of success for young Nigerians abroad, and his humility off the pitch has contributed to his popularity.
His latest comments show that even the brightest talents need guidance and support. By highlighting Luiz and Aubameyang, Saka drew attention to the importance of mentorship for young footballers trying to find their place in top clubs.
As Arsenal continue their push for major trophies, Saka remains at the centre of the team’s ambitions. His performances have earned him praise from former players, coaches and analysts who believe he is becoming one of the best wingers in world football.
Reflecting on his journey, Saka’s message is clear: talent may open the door, but support and leadership can help a young player feel at home.
