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, reveling in Arsenal’s thrilling progression to the Champions League round of 16, found himself hesitant to single out the ideal opponent for the upcoming stage of the tournament.

It’s been an astonishing 14 years since Arsenal last reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, and their recent triumph saw them defy the odds with a tense penalty shootout victory over Porto. Despite trailing 1-0 on Tuesday night, Leandro Trossard’s first-half equalizer injected new energy into the match.

Yet, the anticipated flurry of goals failed to materialize, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout where David Raya emerged as the hero, securing a 4-2 win. With this triumph, Arsenal now faces the prospect of taking on formidable opponents such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and PSG in the next round.

Curious about Arsenal’s preference for their next challenge, Rio Ferdinand posed the question to Saka, asking whether he preferred a tough opponent or one of the perceived weaker teams to enhance their chances of progressing to the semi-finals. Responding with a knowing smile, the Arsenal winger chose to tread cautiously, refraining from making any premature declarations.

As the quarter-final matchups begin to take shape, it’s noteworthy 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 prepares for a clash against Inter Milan, the current leaders of the Italian Serie A.

Despite Arsenal’s history 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 lone final appearance occurred in 2006.

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

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