'Honour' to be recognised for humanitarian work - Saka
- Published
Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka says it is an "honour" to have won the Socrates Award at Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The trophy is dedicated to an individual for their humanitarian work and social initiatives connected to football.
Through the BigShoe charity , the England international has helped fund surgeries for children in Africa.
He has also helped with emergency housing and shelters for families displaced by earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco.
Speaking at the ceremony in London, Saka said: "I would like to thank France Football for the opportunity to be here. Keep raising awareness of these causes that are close to my heart.
"For me, it is an honour to be here and an honour to receive this award. On behalf of all the children, we have been able to help, thank you."
Saka also touched on what he does for those in need, explaining: "I work a lot with my family and the charity called BigShoe. We try to do our best to help children who don't have the same opportunities or capabilities we have."
The Gunners attacker was not the only Arsenal representative up for an award at the ceremony as team-mates Declan Rice, Gabriel and William Saliba placed 15th, 21st and 29th in the Ballon d'Or rankings, respectively.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta was also nominated for men's coach of the year, after the club won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final, but missed out to Spain's World Cup-winning coach, Luis de la Fuente.
