Bukayo Saka reveals role Thierry Henry played in Arsenal's historic win over Real Madrid

Bukayo Saka has revealed that he spoke to Arsenal legend before the Gunners knocked out of the . beat the reigning champions 5-1 on aggregate after a 3-0 victory at the Emirates and a famous 2-1 win at the Bernabeu.

And starred in the second leg victory, bouncing back from a disappointing penalty miss to put Arsenal 1-0 up on the night with a brilliant chipped finish. Speaking to CBS Sports after the game, Saka revealed that Henry had played a part in the win.

When asked by Micah Richards if he was planning to FaceTime Henry later that evening for a debrief about the game, Saka replied: "I spoke to him this morning already, but if he wants to speak again later I'm going to be up.

"I'm not going to sleep tonight, let's be real." Saka and Henry have developed a close relationship over the years, with the Frenchman becoming something of a mentor to him.

"The main thing I learned from him is the confidence," Saka told of Henry last year. "When you see the way he plays, the fear he strikes into defenders is already enough. I tried to from him.

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"I've tried to play with more confidence, that belief that you're almost unplayable. The first interaction we had was when I was in the academy. From 14-15, he came and was doing his coaching badges.

"Obviously we all knew about him and even though he'd retired he still had the same quality. We did finishing with him, he was better than all of us! Since then, he's reached out to me and he's always there for me.

"Whatever I need to say to him, whatever he wants to say to me, I'm open. In difficult moments he's always open. He says 'I'm always free if you want to speak to me'. There are times when I can call him and get good advice.

"He's done what I want to achieve, winning titles with Arsenal. I'm really grateful to have that relationship with him. He's a top guy. He's just so focused on football. It's similar to me. We try not to think about the other things.

"When we were growing up, I aspired to be a footballer. I aspired to be a great player at Arsenal. The rest of it, off the pitch, it wasn't part of the dream. Of course when you're here it comes with it but I'm just keeping that focus, having football as the main priority, and staying grounded."

Gunners boss , meanwhile, spoke with manager ahead of the game having started his coaching career by working with the Spaniard at the Etihad.

"I called him this morning," Arteta revealed. "Because if I am here, it is thanks to him to a great extent. He has been a big inspiration to me. I lived four amazing years with him and I will always be grateful to him. Without him, I wouldn't be here."

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