Bukayo Saka on becoming a part-time barista, switching off from football and why it was always Arsenal

What are you doing? Who is the first person you talk to after the match?

Bukayo: It depends on how I feel. Actually, I’m not much of a phone call person. Normally I would text my brother. I get a lot of messages, especially if you win or score… a lot of people congratulate you, which is nice.

What are you doing? What does an ideal day off look like for you?

Bukayo: Ideal day off – wake up in the morning, go for a walk alone.

What are you doing? Do you like to take time for yourself?

Bukayo: Yes. Lately, I love going for walks in nature more than ever, just to relax. I think it’s very peaceful, very nice. Come back, have some breakfast and then I’ll probably go to London, grab some food with my closest ones – something I like to do – go to restaurants and stuff like that. If I have more energy, maybe I’ll do some shopping, and yes, if I have the day off, I’ll enjoy that side of the job.

What are you doing? What are your hobbies?

Bukayo: Football. I’ve been loving making coffee lately. I’ve reached my coffee age, yes. I guess I’m a part-time barista now. I’m trying to learn how to make art. This is difficult. It’s so hard but I’m getting there, I’m getting better. I haven’t drawn anything yet. I will take lessons soon.

What are you doing? What moment in your career are you most proud of today?

Bukayo: I think I can tell you where I am right now. You know, the circumstances that I grew up in, the ups and downs, the challenges, the setbacks or whatever it was that I dealt with and to still be here today and to be in the position that I’m in, to be strong, still focused, motivated and happy. I think that’s probably something that’s overlooked and something I can definitely be proud of. As I get older, you realize that sometimes you can’t fully focus on football 24/7. You need to have a good balance and give your mind some time as well and enjoy other aspects of life as well.

What are you doing? At what point did you realize this?

Bukayo: I think I was injured last season. Before that, it was almost like I was on autopilot; game after game, recovery, game. And I didn’t really get anything else. But of course, when you are injured, you cannot do what you love, you cannot play football. So I was literally on crutches for almost a month. And you should entertain yourself in other ways. So it opened up that part of my brain to different aspects of things. And I think from then on there seemed to be a bit more to life than football. It’s not just football, football is my life. So I’m just trying to find a balance ’cause I’m still [got] Same dedication, same motivation, but also trying to find that little break and switch off at the same time.

What are you doing? If you could achieve just one more thing in your life, what would it be?

Bukayo: All cups – Arsenal and England. This is definitely something I want to achieve in my career.

What are you doing? How would you describe Bukayo Saka sitting across from me?

Bukayo: I think I explained natural evolution a little earlier. My player and personality back then, what was expected of me and the life I lived are completely different from now. Naturally, as you move from place to place, you learn different things, you mature, you grow, things like that. So yeah, I think that’s the biggest difference.

What are you doing? You like to have fun though, right? Because I know you’re one of the jokers in the locker room.

Bukayo: Yeah, I think that’s the most important thing. Have fun, smile, laugh every day. I think you can’t miss this. You can’t miss this no matter what.