Nobody Expected Ronaldo to Be This Good’ — Arteta Reacts to Saka Admiring Cristiano Ronaldo
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his thoughts on Bukayo Saka’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, despite Arteta being a known supporter of Lionel Messi in the GOAT debate.
Saka’s Admiration for Ronaldo
Bukayo Saka, one of the Premier League’s top players this season, revealed his childhood admiration for Ronaldo. Speaking in an interview on Arsenal’s website, Saka said:
“I used to love Cristiano Ronaldo. Many kids my age loved watching him — his skills, free kicks, and the different things he could do on the pitch. We all tried to copy him.”
Known for his hardworking and efficient style, Saka stands out as a player who values mental toughness and effectiveness over flashy tricks, making Ronaldo an inspiring role model for him.
Arteta’s Reaction
Arteta, who grew up admiring Messi’s brilliance, sees no problem with Saka idolising Ronaldo. In fact, he considers Ronaldo a great example for young players.
“It’s always good to have someone to look up to,” Arteta said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
“When Cristiano joined Manchester United, nobody thought he’d achieve what he did. It was his mentality, work ethic, and skill development that made him the player he became. He also played in a team capable of dominating, which helped.”
A Balance of Influences
While Arteta personally leans towards Messi, he appreciates that Saka draws inspiration from Ronaldo’s determination and growth, showing how both football icons continue to shape the next generation of players.
