Saka reveals embarrassing moment with Busquet, love for Messi

Nigeria born Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has opened up on being "embarrassed" by Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets, teaching him a valuable lesson during his early days in Arsenal 's first team.

The 20-year-old faced off against Busquets in a 2019 pre-season friendly at the famous Camp Nou, looking to make an impression under former manager Unai Emery after being handed his debut midway through the previous season. 

But Saka - even with his abundance of talent and elite levels of expectation from his days in the Gunners' academy - still had a lot to learn; evidenced by how awestruck he was by the acclaimed Spanish midfielder.

Asked by GQ Magazine which player has blown him away the most during his short but sparkling career, the Arsenal star rapidly replied: "Sergio Busquets. The way he just so elegantly turned me! I came at him to press him, I tried to fake this side then go to the other.

"And the way he just embarrassed me: I was just like, yeah, this guy is elite. The way he just took me out of the play, I said, 'Respect.' [Busquets] is three steps ahead of everyone and that's what makes you a top footballer. That's what I realised that day."

While the young forward will be on a long list of players whom Busquets has embarrassed, Saka's admission is a show of his renowned humble nature which has helped him become a fan favourite at both the Emirates and Wembley. 

Having won the Gunners' Player of the Year award last term and shone for the Three Lions during the European Championships, the winger has directly contributed to 14 goals in 30 Premier League appearances this campaign to further prove his credentials.

His performances have helped Mikel Arteta 's side into contention for the Champions League next season and reports suggest that he will be handed a new lucrative long-term contract amid transfer links to Liverpool and Juventus. One of his biggest fans is Arsenal icon Ian Wright, who has waxed lyrical about Saka's potential for years.

Saka revealed in the interview that his first name means ‘God has added joy to my life'.

Saka stated that his grandmother gave him that name so that he can add even more happiness to the family.

The versatile midfielder was born in Ealing to Nigerian parents and grew up in Greenford where he learned his craft.

Saka told GQ Style: “My grandma gave it to me because of its meaning.

“It means ‘God has added joy to my life.’ She wanted me to add joy to the family, so she named me that…

"Every time she called me, that’s probably what I meant to her.”

Saka has also been spreading a lot of joy at the Emirates as well ever since his senior debut in 2018.

The England international has been on fire this season with a total of 10 goals and five assists in 35 matches.

In a lengthy interview with the famous magazine, the 20-year-old also opened up about various different topics.

Saka was asked to name the greatest goal he has seen and the England international picked Messi's 2015 solo stunner against Athletic Bilbao.

The Argentine icon famously picked up the ball from the halfway line, beat four players, cut in from the right, and slotted home.

Saka, 20, said: “Because of the moment, I think I would say Leo Messi’s goal in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club.

"The one where he dribbled everyone. Now that I play, I can see how hard it is to score that goal.

"People are trying to kick him, to bring him down in the process, and he just keeps going, and he still scored in the final, as well.

"I was just like, wow. When he says he’s going past you, you’re not stopping him!”

When the discussion switched to music, Saka's brother Yomi was even shocked to learn the winger loves a bit of Ed Sheeran.

Yomi said: “You don’t bang Ed Sheeran.

Saka responded: “Bro, I showed you, he’s in my top five artists on Spotify Wrapped!"

Yomi replied: "I don’t believe you. When?”

Saka admitted: “Bruv, I’m not going to play Ed Sheeran when you’re in the car! When I’m in the car with my girl, we listen to Ed Sheeran.”