Bukayo Saka revealed his gratitude for the regular support he receives from Arsenal "legends" Thierry Henry and Robert Pires.
The England winger has netted three goals in three games at the 2022 World Cup and is set to line up against France in a mouthwatering quarter-final on Saturday.
Henry and Pires lifted the trophy with Les Bleus 24 years ago, before going on to win two Premier League titles with Arsenal in 2002 and 2004 – forming part of the 'Invincibles' side that went through the entire campaign unbeaten in the latter.
Academy graduate Saka, who has been with the club since the age of seven, is benefitting from their wise words and guidance.
"We have so many French players, like Thierry and Robert Pires, that have been around the club and spoken to me and helped me," he said. "They still both support me to this day, so I'm grateful to them.
"Of course, on the pitch, they were magnificent, and they delivered silverware for Arsenal, so they'll definitely be legends – always."
Henry made contact with Saka following his missed penalty in England's Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy, a gesture that was greatly received by the 21-year-old.
"It showed a lot of character from him to get my number and reach out to me," he added. "After most Arsenal games, he reaches out to me. He's still so passionate about the club; he's an amazing person."
But despite his lengthy association with Arsenal, Saka is yet to speak with another key Frenchman in the Gunners' recent history, legendary former boss Arsene Wenger.
"One of my biggest regrets – things I haven't been able to do – was to meet Arsene Wenger," he revealed. "I know how much everyone at the club loves him, and I know what he did for the club."
Courtois to miss Germany friendly due to adductor injury
Thibaut Courtois will miss Belgium's friendly against Germany on Tuesday due to an adductor injury.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper withdrew from the Red Devils squad on Sunday after sustaining a minor strain.
Courtois played in the Red Devils' 3-0 victory over Sweden in their opening Euro 2024 Group F qualifying match at Friends Arena on Friday.
The former Chelsea keeper will not face Germany in Cologne, though, after returning to Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping Courtois is fit when Los Blancos return to action against Real Valladolid in LaLiga next Sunday.
Romelu Lukaku's hat-trick ensured Belgium started Domenico Tedesco's reign as head coach with a resounding victory over Sweden in Solna.
Odegaard questions lack of penalty after controversial Rodri challenge
Martin Odegaard is "pretty sure" he should have won a penalty for Norway against Spain after a fierce challenge from Rodri.
The Norway captain was wiped out inside the area by the Spain midfielder in an incident that sparked debate regarding the ongoing battle for the Premier League title.
There would have undoubtedly been winces at Arsenal having seen the Manchester City man clatter into their skipper, with the two sides going toe-to-toe to finish top of the league this season.
Despite the heavy challenge, no foul was awarded and that left Odegaard confused, though he stopped short of questioning the officials due to concern he would be issued with sanctions.
"I'm pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He's coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I'm sure I'll get punished [if I say any more]," he told TV2.
"I don't bother saying anything else about the referee. It's better not to say anything."
While Odegaard held back in his assessment, Norway head coach Stale Solbakken did not hold back on an incident he felt could have changed the course of the game.
"It is a clear penalty. He finishes the shot and you can't [foul him after]," he said.
"If I knock someone down after the ball is gone, then it's a penalty. I get a little bored of this.
"What I see here now [on the replay] is exactly what I saw from the bench. There was a bit of arrogance going on. That’s the way it is, but it's unbelievable."
Elanga 'frustrated' with lack of Man Utd action but not dwelling on potential Barca move
Anthony Elanga has expressed his frustration over a lack of playing time with Manchester United and suggested he could have joined Barcelona in January.
The Sweden winger has made only seven starts for the Red Devils this season, while he has been introduced as a substitute on 17 occasions.
Elanga was linked with the likes of LaLiga leaders Barca and Premier League strugglers Everton during the last transfer window, but a move did not materialise.
Asked about a potential switch to Camp Nou at the start of the year, he told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet: "That was in January, I can't focus on that now.
"The best thing I can do is focus on the rest of the season and then I will get to talk to the club.
"I love the club, but it's important for me to play. I'm still young. We have spoken to the club and they know what is required and I know what is required."
The 20-year-old hopes United boss Erik ten Hag gives him more opportunities and is determined to take his chances when they come along.
He added: "It is frustrating. You want to play, it's important. But whether you play or not, it's up to the coach not me. I have spoken to Erik [ten Hag] and it is private between the two of us. I know what he wants me to do and I just keep training hard.
"When the opportunity comes, I just have to be ready to take it. We have a lot of conversations, not only about [his lack of opportunities] but also what is happening around. That's the good thing about the club, we talk a lot and they help me a lot."
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