Arsenal star Bukayo Saka was left speechless and in tears after receiving a touching letter from his parents Adenike and Yomi on the occasion of signing his new £300,000-per-week contract at the club.
The winger became the club’s highest earning player as he committed to another five years at the Emirates, firmly establishing him as the bedrock of Mikel Arteta’s side.
Money aside, Saka will have been keen to re-affirm his deep ties with the side where he made his debut as a Hale End academy graduate.
But in the immediate aftermath of signing the deal, Saka had to contend with another raft of emotions, as he was met with a letter which revealed his parents’ hearts were ‘overflowing with pride’ at his latest accomplishment.
‘From the very first days you kicked a ball around the house and in the park, we could see the joy it brought to you,’ the letter read. ‘What we couldn’t have known then is just how far your joy, combined with your dedication and faith, could take you.
‘You have never forgotten your values, faith, or people who have supported you along the way. That means more to us than any goal, trophy, or contract ever could.
Bukayo Saka was left unable to speak as he read aloud a letter from his parents after signing a new Arsenal contract
‘Remember, success is not measured only in achievements, but in character. Keep smiling Bukayo, enjoy this journey. Keep believing and keep being the example you are to so many young people who look up to you.’
As he finished reading out the letter on CNN, who had presented it to him, Saka struggled to speak as he was left on the verge of tears.
‘Wow,’ he managed. ‘I don’t see my mum and dad speak with me a lot like this.
‘I am pretty speechless. It’s amazing. I don’t know what to say apart from thank you to them. I wouldn’t be here without them.
‘Their journey is, for me, inspiring. From being in Nigeria to where we are today as a family… the only explanation is God.
‘It is not normal. There is a one-in-a-million chance. I am so grateful and this is beautiful’.
Having won individual plaudits for both Arsenal and England performances, the missing piece in Saka’s career to date is silverware.
Arteta’s Gunners are hunting down a first Premier League title since his promise-ladened appointment in 2019, and currently sit four points clear of chasers Manchester City.
They also remain competitive in all four club competitions this season, with next month’s Carabao Cup final against Man City the first opportunity to win a trophy.
