Bukayo Saka has left football fans mystified with a cryptic response about Arsenal's preferred opponent for the Champions League final. The 24-year-old scored the decisive goal in the semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory and sending the Gunners to Budapest for the showpiece event on May 30.
This marks Arsenal's first Champions League final appearance in 20 years, since Arsene Wenger's side lost to Barcelona in 2006. They will face either reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain or German giants Bayern Munich, who meet on Wednesday night with PSG holding a 5-4 aggregate lead from the first leg.
When asked by CBS Sport about their preferred opponent, Saka smiled and said: "Come on, man. You can't ask me that, you know I'll have to give a media trained answer. You know deep down who we want to face, that's all I say!"
His response has sparked intense debate among fans on social media. Some believe Arsenal may view PSG as unfinished business, given the French side knocked them out at the semi-final stage last season before beating Inter Milan in the final. Others suggest Bayern Munich could be preferred because they are led by former Tottenham striker Harry Kane, although Arsenal beat Vincent Kompany's side in the league phase earlier this season.
After the final whistle at the Emirates, jubilant scenes unfolded as players and staff ran onto the pitch to celebrate with fans. Fireworks were set off, but former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney criticized the celebrations on Prime Video Sport, saying: "They deserve to be in this position but they haven't won it yet. I think the celebrations are a little bit too much. Celebrate when you win!"
Arsenal legend Ian Wright responded indirectly, urging fans to enjoy the moment: "Arsenal fans, enjoy this. The celebration police will be out in force, do not get nicked! Football's about moments and this is a big moment. Enjoy it. Let's hope that in the final we have another massive moment."
Former manager Arsene Wenger also weighed in: "They celebrate well tonight - that is normal, but you want more for them to focus on the final already. The celebration is deserved, happiness is absolutely normal, but now the next step is to go to the final and win it."
