While most youngsters tuck into a bowl of cereal or a few slices of toast before heading to school, Bukayo Saka has revealed that he fuelled his day with something far more peculiar.
The England star, 24, has been in the Arsenal setup since he was just seven years old and has become their golden boy in an era where they are aiming to reclaim English football’s ultimate prize.
The Gunners take on rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday with a victory keeping them at least four points ahead of chasers Manchester City in the Premier League.
And though the winger now has access to some of the finest facilities in the world at London Colney, Saka used to begin his days with something that may have the dieticians raising an eyebrow or two.
While his parents were either hard at work or on their way there, Saka admitted that he and his brother would combine a quirky concoction of sweet and salty for their breakfast.
‘Hot cross bun, sausage, like a sausage cut up. Frankfurter… Frankfurter and some ketchup,’ he told the BBC’s Football Interview with Kelly Somers.
‘You cut the hot cross bun, you cut the sausage up, put it in the hot cross bun, then put ketchup, then close the hot cross bun. Unreal, unreal. Credit to my dad, my mum, I don’t know whose idea it was.’
His answer prompted a chuckle from Somers, who said: ‘I’ve got so many questions about that, I’m not sure about that.’
She then asked him if he still eats the breakfast today, to which Saka laughed and responded: ‘Nah!’
The 24-year-old’s wide-ranging interview also discussed his hopes of one-day improving his barista skills. But before Saka things about a life of pouring coffee, he has another contract to sign at the Emirates.
His deal expires in the summer of 2027 but Mikel Arteta has no doubts in his mind where Saka wants to play his football.
The Arsenal boss said on Friday: ‘I am very aware that he wants to continue with us. I think it’s a very healthy and powerful relationship.
‘The journey that he has had at the club, and what he has become, is something we want to maintain. I think that is something that is going to leave a legacy at this club and he needs to fulfil that role.’
Saka has been in stellar form this season and has captained the side on numerous occasions in the absence of Martin Odegaard.
He has six goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this campaign and will be looking to add another to his tally against bitter rivals Spurs.
In his 10 North London Derby appearances, Saka has won six, drawn just one and lost three. He has also scored three and assisted three.
