Arsenal Star Bukayo Saka Returns to Primary School for Inspiring Q&A

By Tim Parsons-

A sudden knock reverberated through the classroom door, quickly followed by gasps and cheers from the assembled students. The children of Edward Betham School in Greenford had been presenting their projects on role models to teachers, but the moment the door opened, everyone understood who the ultimate idol truly was.

The pupils see their superstar idol daily on a mural painted in the playground; his unmistakable smile is a familiar presence.

 

However, absolutely no one expected Bukayo Saka to walk into their lesson on a Wednesday afternoon. Less than 24 hours earlier, the Arsenal star had helped England secure their guaranteed place at next year’s World Cup, having only arrived home at 6am that very morning.

Over the next valuable hour, the professional footballer listened attentively, laughed frequently, and reminisced openly, even naming every single teacher he ever had at the school. He fielded some remarkably tough questions from the children that no journalist would ever dare to ask.

Observing the scene from the back of the classroom, an outsider quickly learned that the pride the school holds for their Arsenal and England superstar is entirely mutual; the very place and the profound values it instilled helped shape him into the man he is today. “I think it’s always a beautiful feeling, coming in and seeing the kids react like that,” Saka told Sky Sports during this exclusive Bukayo Saka role model interview.

He admitted that while you “kind of anticipate it,” the emotional impact “feels sweeter when you’re actually in the moment.” Saka confirmed that although he has “come back quite a bit to do a few projects here,” this day “has definitely been my favourite.” The children’s presentations and “hearing all the things they had to say was really beautiful,” he added. The school provided the foundation for his character. He noted: “The school shaped me and you just need to go around it and see what’s all around it to understand the values that they teach here. You can probably see them in me as well.”

His fondest school memory involves football—specifically making history with his brother’s team as the first to win a trophy there, resulting in the retirement of his No 10 shirt. This Bukayo Saka role model interview highlights the importance of inspiring the next generation through programs like the Chase Football Coaching Programme, which helps create new role models by providing fully funded access to introductory coaching qualifications.

Reflecting on the whirlwind nature of his career, Saka found himself sitting on a bench in the school playground just hours after guiding his country to a World Cup slot. “It sounds crazy, but that is my life, and everything is a blessing,” he reflected humbly. He maintains a deep sense of gratitude, stating, “I don’t take anything for granted, and I’m always grateful to God for being in the position that I’m in today.” Saka feels the achievement of World Cup qualification is often overlooked in this country due to the sheer volume of talent.

He observed that big players in the history of the global game have never experienced playing in a World Cup. “It’s amazing that we’re going back there, and hopefully I get the chance to play in my second World Cup,” he said with evident anticipation. The star aims to “go further than I did in the last one,” setting high personal and team standards.

The talent available to Manager Thomas Tuchel has impressed him greatly, making him feel England are successfully “building something good” for the tournament. Saka admitted the players needed some time to fully understand the workings of the former Chelsea man, but Tuchel’s methods have strongly impressed him the more they have worked together.

Saka praised the German coach, stating, “I think he’s a top coach, tactical understanding, and with the people as well.” He believes Tuchel possesses the ability to extract peak performance from his squad. “He’s very demanding, and he knows how to get the best out of the players,” Saka asserted. Tuchel has deliberately fostered an environment where every single player in the country has a chance to make the World Cup squad.

The manager has made selections open to anyone, asking: “How much do you want it? How well can you perform?” Saka believes this competitive environment is the right motivator. This part of the Bukayo Saka role model interview emphasized that the team concept transcends individual egos: “I feel like if you work as a team, especially with the talent and quality that we’ve got, we can definitely go far in this World Cup.” .

Before turning his attention back to international success, Saka has some of the most exciting and rewarding few months of his entire club career ahead of him. Arsenal currently sits at the top of the Premier League table after an excellent start to the new season. Saka acknowledged the immense pressure accompanying his club role: “I feel like, when you’re an Arsenal player, there’s just always constant talk about where you’re finishing and how you’re performing.” He sometimes feels the analysis is “even over-analysed,” but insists, “this year I feel we’re a very strong group and we’ve got a lot of quality.”

The squad’s depth has been tested by injuries, but the players coming in have consistently maintained the highest performance level. “That’s what it’s going to take for us to go all the way,” he believes. Saka feels that lack of depth and consistency is exactly “where we’ve slipped off in a few seasons.” He confidently stated, “this season, we’ve got that and it’s making me really believe we can do it.”

Having competed in the title race the last three years and finished second in all of them, the forward knows the crucial timing. “Now it’s not so important. It’s in April, that’s when you need to be there,” he noted. Saka emphasized the current focus is “about standing around it, building your momentum and then going on a run of performances.”

Part of getting the formula right involved high-profile summer arrivals, including Eberechi Eze, whom Saka has thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside. “He’s fitted in like a glove,” Saka confirmed. He appreciates Eze’s clear desire to be at Arsenal, stating, “He’s going to give everything for this club and that’s what you need.”

Saka credited Mikel Arteta for his constant support: “He’s always put a lot of trust in me from a young age until now.”

Still only 24, Saka has already achieved 100 goal involvements for Arsenal, placing him in the company of club legends. While he remains humble about the major milestone, this Bukayo Saka role model interview reinforces his ultimate goal: “At the same time, I want to help win the biggest of trophies as well in my time at Arsenal.”

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• Date
  29th October 2025

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