Bukayo Saka says he takes it as a ‘compliment’ when opposition players try to ‘smash’ him as Arsenal star refuses to complain about treatment from defenders

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has refused to complain about increasingly rough treatment from defenders, insisting he takes it as a compliment.

Saka was the third-most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023 (87 fouls), with only Crystal Palace‘s Jordan Ayew and Newcastle‘s Bruno Guimaraes ahead of him.

The Gunners complained to the refereeing body PGMOL last month but Saka is seemingly unfazed.

‘I spoke to a few defenders and now I understand it. So for me when I see a defender trying to smash me. As long as he doesn’t get me I’m laughing or I’m smiling because I take it as a compliment. 

Bukayo Saka says that he takes his rough treatment from defenders as a compliment 

‘You know I don’t think a defender would be calling for help or would want to smash me if he didn’t see me as a threat.

So for me if he tries to smash me and I get away with it i just laugh and get on with the game because i guess it’s part of it. 

‘The defender is only trying to do his job and protect his goal and I’m only trying to do my job and get towards his goal. I’m only trying to do my job and get towards his goal. 

‘We’re all just trying to do our best for the team. I just try and keep my temper because I know when I do lose my head I don’t play well.

‘I’m not gonna say names because I feel like those conversations should stay between me and them but I’ve had a few conversations with opposition and even sometimes the players here. 

The Englishman was the third-most fouled player in the Premier League in 2023 

‘When I ask them like ‘why are you guys like this? why do you want to smash players’ They explain to me so I understand. Once I understand I think it’s easy for me to get on with it more. 

‘As long as no one tackles me really really badly because obviously i don’t want to be injured or playing through pain. I think it’s not something I want to come on here and complain about because it’s just gonna get worse if I do.