Saka refuses to answer Ferdinand question - 'I don't want to say anything rash'

13 March 2024 , 07:09

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Bukayo Saka opted against naming a team when questioned by Rio Ferdinand (Image: TNT Sports)

Bukayo Saka refused to pick his perfect opponent heading into the last eight of the Champions League after Arsenal advanced in dramatic circumstances.

It is 14 years since the Gunners were last in the quarter-finals of Europe's top competition but a penalty shootout victory over Porto ensured they overcame their first-leg deficit. Arsenal trailed 1-0 going into Tuesday night's game but Leandro Trossard's first-half strike levelled the tie.

That was the end of the goals though and it eventually required penalties with David Raya proving the hero as he saved twice to ensure a 4-2 victory. It means Arsenal go into the hat with the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and PSG.

Saka was quizzed by Rio Ferdinand on whether he wanted a heavyweight tie or if he'd prefer one of the perceived weaker outfits, thus aiding their chances of making the last four. The Arsenal winger smiled and said on TNT Sports: "I don't want to say anything rash" as he dodged giving an answer.

Currently, with the exception of PSG and Arsenal, the four other teams already in the quarters have all won the competition in the past decade. Borussia Dortmund still have to take on PSV whilst Atletico Madrid will be facing Italian league leaders Inter Milan.

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Arsenal, even when they were Champions League regulars, have been unable to make serious inroads in the tournament. They last make the semi-finals in 2009, eventually losing to Manchester United, and have the solitary final appearance which came in 2006.

Mikel Arteta's side are among the dark horses in Europe with several of the major names, the likes of Bayern and PSG, not hitting the levels they have done previously.

David Raya's penalty heroics sealed a last eight spot

The Spaniard said after guiding the north Londoners into the last eight: "Unbelievable, that's where we want to be. We've been patient, worked so hard and a lot of people have made good decisions and showed courage in difficult moments and this is where you want to be."

He also added: "So happy. It has been 14 years, which is a long time for a club like Arsenal and it shows how difficult it was. We really had to dig in to find the magic moment at the end. We're starting to create an unbelievable energy in the stadium, we were all pushing to get it done and together we have done it."

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Samuel Meade