Bocao Saka said on Monday that his injury break was “really good” for him mentally, as he put his eyes on staying in Arsenal in the long run. The England striker, 23, was wounded in the knee strings in Gunners 5-1 winning in Crystal Palace on December 21 and asking for surgery-which led to the first absence in his career so far. He achieved a return in scoring goals in Arsenal 2-1 victory over Fulham last week before he replaced again in a 1-1 draw on Saturday in Everton. “Mental, it was good for me,” Saka said on the eve of the Champions League quarter -finals against Real Madrid.
“It was clear that it was difficult at first when I discovered how much I was injured and that I would have surgery. But as soon as it was done, it was successful, I only focused on returning stronger.
“During the past five years in which I played a game after the match, this was my first suitable break and that was good for me.
“I have to do a lot of things that I do not usually do. But it is really good to go back and feel that I am mentally tormented, for sure.”
Saka, who scored 10 goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season, said that in “not rushing” to sign a new contract but admitted that he was “completely clear” that he wanted to commit his future to the club, as he came through the youth.
The pavilion, which is scheduled to start its first start since December against Real Madrid in the UAE on Tuesday, has two years in his current deal.
He welcomed a hero when he ended his long absence as a substitute in the second half against Fulham.
“For me, I want to win and want to win the wearing of this badge,” Saka said. “It is quite clear that fans know how much I love them. I saw when I came (against Fulham) I think they love me.
“So it is a good relationship and I am really happy to be here.”
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