William Saliba says 'fate' led him to play for Arsenal thanks to first ever Thierry Henry shirt
Updated 04/04/2025 at 11:19 GMT+1
React to this story
William Saliba has been one of the stars of Arsenal's season and recent revival, helping The Gunners to second place in the Premier League table and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League this term. Ahead of the return of European competition in April, he has revealed the extent of Thierry Henry's influence on him as a child. Saliba had an Arsenal shirt with Henry on the back as a boy.
'Mount a proper title challenge' – Are these ambitious targets for the 'Big Six' realistic?
Video credit: TNT Sports
William Saliba believes he was destined to play for Arsenal after donning the famous red and white shirt as a child and idolising Gunners icon Thierry Henry.
Saliba has helped Arsenal to second place in the Premier League table and the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League during another successful individual campaign at Emirates Stadium.
He said that it was "fate" that he would play for The Gunners after purchasing a replica shirt with French legend Henry on the back as a child in the latest episode of 'Kenny Allstar's Number Ones'.
He reveals that Henry was his hero, but insists that he could never have dreamed he would one day follow in his footsteps.
"In 2005 and 2006 they [Arsenal] were on fire," he said. "Henry, Zidane [were my heroes].
"I don't know why I picked the Arsenal shirt, to be honest. It was fate. My first shirt was an Arsenal shirt with Thierry Henry on the back.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/03/26/4113484-83407328-2560-1440.png)
'Sat there like the bridesmaid' – The biggest disappointments for the 'Big Six' this season
Video credit: TNT Sports
"To be honest, when you are young, you do not think about playing for Arsenal. It was just a good feeling to have the shirt on me. It is more when you grow up that you want to play.
"For me, Arsenal was so far [away], but in the beginning, it was just cool to have this shirt and to play football with it. Now I am happy to wear it every week."
Saliba spent a significant portion of his youth career at French side AS Bondy.
He may be considered one of the world's best defenders at the moment, but the Frenchman revealed that he actually started his career at the other end of the pitch.
- Russo jokes 'VAR ruined' hat-trick as Carney praises 'brilliant' Arsenal star
- 'What have I signed for?' - Keown predicts Palmer will leave Chelsea despite contract renewal
- Postecoglou 'sensitive' to critics in 'stubborn' refusal to adjust Spurs tactics - Keown
"The first time that I kicked a ball it was there [at A.S. Bondy]. I spent most of my life at Bondy, so yeah, I have some great memories there," he added.
"Bondy is like my life. It is true [that I started as a striker]. Honestly, since I was six I was an offensive player, a striker, or I would play in midfield.
"When I was 14, I went to another club. When I went there they knew I was a striker or midfielder, but they said okay, you can play centre-back as well.
"I played there one or two times and I was like, 'Put me there'."
Watch the Premier League and UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+-
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement