Arsenal legend backtracks on controversial Bukayo Saka claim

Robert Pires has rowed backmost connected his assertion that Bukayo Saka lacks consistency and the proposition that Manchester City’s Jeremey Doku is amended than the Arsenal icon.

Saka lone turned 23 this period and has already made 230 appearances for Arsenal and won 42 caps for England.

The winger enjoyed his astir prolific play past clip around, scoring 20 goals successful each completions, outstripping his erstwhile champion of 15 successful the run before.

However, Gunners leader Pires sounded similar helium wanted much from the winger arsenic helium discussed his improvement past week and, somewhat surprisingly, brought Doku up arsenic a much awesome performer.

‘Bukayo inactive lacks a definite level of consistency and experience, particularly successful the large games,” Pires told Wettbasis.

‘Perhaps this season, particularly successful the Champions League, helium volition amusement a much convincing look than past play erstwhile it counts.

‘For example, successful my sentiment Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is simply a spot amended due to the fact that helium is technically stronger, has amended dribbling skills and is much imaginative.’

After making those comments the Frenchman changed his tune and backtracked connected them.

Pires wrote connected Instagram connected Sunday: ‘I privation to clarify that I deliberation @bukayosaka87 is an astonishing subordinate and I person immense respect for him.

‘A portion agone I was asked to comparison him to different subordinate …. I said the different subordinate had amended skills successful immoderate areas… this does not mean the different subordinate is amended than @bukayosaka87 … I genuinely deliberation @bukayosaka87 is amended and a fantastic fig 7!’

Saka was taken disconnected precocious successful the 1-0 triumph implicit Tottenham connected Sunday, with Mikel Arteta confirming that it was an injury, though helium could not corroborate what.

‘I don’t know. I made 2 changes with the beforehand players and abruptly he’s down,’ said the Spaniard aft the match. ‘I looked astatine the seat and the options that we had and we had to adapt. I don’t cognize precisely what it is but helium could not continue.’

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