Bukayo Saka says Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is always messaging him and got in contact ahead of the win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Gunners are now top of the Premier League after beating the Hammers 2-0 thanks to goals from Declan Rice and a late second from Saka.
A defeat at Liverpool and draw with Manchester City slowed down Arsenal’s early progress, but back-to-back wins have coincided with two losses for Arne Slot’s Reds and things are looking very good for Mikel Arteta’s men again.
Saka says it is not just the current squad striving for success, with club legend Henry still doing his best to help out, messaging him on a regular basis to hammer home focus and motivation.
‘Thierry always messages me. He messaged me this (Saturday) morning as well to remind me we lost the last two games to West Ham at home,’ Saka revealed.
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‘He is always pushing me. It is nice to have that encouragement from him and of course me, I want it as well.’
The goal against the Hammers took Saka to 100 Premier League goal involvements in his 200th top flight game.
He added: ‘I’m really happy on these records. I’m just going to keep pushing and try and get some team trophies, which is what we have been searching for.
‘I don’t really like to linger on these things, but you said it – it’s a beautiful achievement and I’m really proud of it.
‘Obviously 200 games for Arsenal in the Premier League is a really big moment. I’m going to enjoy it and it was nice to get the goal as well and the win.’
On Saka scoring on his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal, Arteta added: ‘It’s exceptional what he’s doing at his age.
‘The impact he has on those matches, it’s very difficult to do and I’m very happy for him. He’s super consistent and willing to learn constantly.
‘He finds ways to find goals. He will grow and become more mature. Hopefully he’ll keep impacting the team.’
The 24-year-old has not just been earning praise from Arsenal icons, but from a Manchester United legend too.
‘Bukayo Saka is such an important player for Arsenal and for England,’ Wayne Rooney said on BBC’s Match of the Day.
‘Over the last three or fours years he’s probably been Arsenal’s most important player.
‘He’s had a few injuries which have affected his numbers which would be even better if that wasn’t the case. But he’s such an incredible player.’