Bukayo Saka refuses to answer Rio Ferdinand’s stupid question: ‘I don’t want to say anything impulsive because I know you don’t like us.’

Bukayo Saka, basking in Arsenal’s dramatic advancement to the Champions League last 16, found himself hesitant to handpick the ideal opponent for the upcoming stage of the competition.

It has been a staggering 14 years since Arsenal last graced the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, and their latest triumph saw them overcome the odds with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over Porto. Despite trailing 1-0 on Tuesday night, Leandro Trossard’s first-half equalizer breathed new life into the encounter.

However, the anticipated flurry of goals failed to materialize, ultimately leading to a tense penalty shootout where David Raya emerged as the hero, securing a 4-2 triumph. With this victory, Arsenal now finds themselves poised to face formidable opponents in the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and PSG in the playoffs.

Inquisitive about Arsenal’s preference for their next challenge, Rio Ferdinand posed the question to Saka, probing whether he preferred a formidable adversary or one of the perceived weaker contenders to enhance their chances of progressing to the last four. Responding with a wry smile, the Arsenal winger opted to tread cautiously, refraining from making any hasty declarations.

As the quarter-final matchups take shape, it’s worth noting that aside from PSG and Arsenal, the other four teams already secured a spot in the quarter-finals have all lifted the prestigious trophy within the past decade. Borussia Dortmund awaits a showdown with PSV, while Atletico Madrid braces for a clash against Inter Milan, the current leaders of the Italian Serie A.

Despite Arsenal’s status as a former Champions League regular, their journey in the tournament has often fallen short of expectations. The club’s last semi-final appearance dates back to 2009, where they suffered defeat to Manchester United, while their solitary final appearance occurred in 2006.

Under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal emerges as a dark horse in European football, with renowned powerhouses like Bayern Munich and PSG failing to replicate their previous heights of success. Reflecting on their monumental achievement of reaching the Round of 16, Arteta expressed immense pride, underscoring the club’s perseverance and resilience in navigating through challenging moments.

Arteta’s sentiments encapsulate the euphoria surrounding Arsenal’s resurgence, epitomizing the collective effort and unwavering determination that propelled them to their long-awaited milestone. As they gear up for the next phase of their European adventure, Arsenal’s faithful fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of their remarkable journey.