Bukayo Saka on his Arsenal future, returning from injury and facing Real Madrid | OneFootball

Bukayo Saka has provided the clearest indication yet that he intends to stay at Arsenal for the long-term.

The England international’s contract runs out in 2027 but speaking ahead of the Champions League quarter-final first-leg with Real Madrid, Saka made it clear that he wants to stay for longer.

“For me I want to win and I want to win wearing this badge so I think it’s pretty clear,” he said.

“The fans know how much I love them and you saw on Tuesday I think they loved me back so it’s a good relationship and I’m really happy to be here. I’m just focused on winning.

“It just reassured everything. It was special. You had to be in the stadium [on Tuesday] to really understand and feel the noise and energy they brought for me. I’m really grateful, I just want to win here.”

Asked whether it would be beneficial to agree a longer deal sooner rather than later, he continued: “I don’t think anyone is really in a rush.

“I’ve got two years left on my contract. It’s pretty relaxed and everyone knows my thoughts, which I’ve let you guys know as well. I don’t think there’s any rush really.”

Saka has just returned from three months out with a hamstring injury which required surgery and could make his return to the starting 11 when his side face Real Madrid.

He has come off the bench in the last two games, against Fulham and Everton, and his boss Mikel Arteta says he is in a “much better place” following that valuable game time.

While he admits it was a blow to be absent for so long, Saka also says the spell on the sidelines has come with benefits too.

“I think mentally it was really good for me,” he said. “Obviously it was really tough for me initially to find out the extent of my injury, that I was going to have surgery, it was really tough for me to hear the news at first but once it was done and successful I was just focused on coming back stronger and I had a lot of time.

“The past five years I’ve been playing game after game so it was the first proper break I’ve had. It was really good for me. I got to do a lot of things that I don’t normally do. It’s really nice to be back and I feel fresh mentally.”

Saka also admits facing Real Madrid is probably the biggest game he will have played in an Arsenal shirt.

“As the players we’re ready and we’re up for it but I honestly have no doubts that the fans tomorrow are going to be up for it also and they’re going to help to create the most beautiful night that the Emirates has witnessed,” he added.