Unai Emery handed Bukayo Saka his Arsenal debut in November 2018 and the England international has now delivered an emotional message to the Aston Villa manager.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has sent an emotional message to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.
Emery made his Arsenal debut in November 2018 when Saka was the Gunners manager.
The England international came off the bench in the away match against ‘Vorskla Poltava’ in a 3-0 defeat.
Saka had just turned 17 and Emery gave him his first team debut.
Saka grew up in Arsenal’s academy and looked up to Emery, despite the midfielder having only been at the Emirates Stadium for a few months at the time.
More than five years later, Saka recalled his Arsenal debut and sent a message to Emery.
The 22-year-old explained why he will be forever grateful to the Villa manager for giving him his first chance at the first team.
“It was very special for me,” Saka told TNT Sports when asked about Emery’s debut.
“I can never forget him. That person is the person who gave me my debut.”It’s clear how much effort has gone into getting to this stage.
It gave me that moment and it also gave me a lot of confidence. I am forever grateful to him for giving me more concerts.
“I’m very happy for him,” added Saka, citing Emery’s influence at Villa Park. “
Every time I play against him, I try to say hello and thank him. “He was a very nice person and a great coach and I had a great time under him.”
Emery and Saka have gone their separate ways since the game against Vorskla Poltava in November.
Emery will now aim to lead Villa to a top four finish in the Premier League for the first time since 1995-96.
Villa are currently third, two points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand.
Emery and K. will not play this weekend due to the winter break and Liverpool can extend their lead with a win against Bournemouth on Sunday.
