Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has helped fund 120 life-changing surgeries for children in Nigeria.
Saka, 21, is gearing up for his first World Cup after being called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – but that hasn’t distracted him from other things.
In partnership with youth charity BigShoe, the pavilion played an important role in children’s medical procedures in Kano last month.
Speaking about his contribution, he said: “I feel fortunate to be in a position where I can help make children’s lives easier and better through these surgeries.
“I still feel a great bond with Nigeria. It’s really important to me to use my skills to make a difference where I can and I have the whole BigShoe team to thank for making that possible.
“It’s important to me that every child has the same chance to make their dreams come true.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d love to do it, it meant a lot to me. I am happy when I see happy children and happy parents.
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“I always want to do more and help as many kids as possible.”
Saka isn’t the only pro to help BigShoe after Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger pledged to donate all fees to the Children’s World Cup in Sierra Leone.
Rüdiger founded the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation for Sierra Leone in January and has been supporting children in need in the country ever since.
His actions are a response to the country’s congenital clubfoot problem, which affects many children throughout their lives.
“It’s heartbreaking to see the conditions in which children in Sierra Leone grow up,” he said.
“During the operation, the defect is corrected before patients can finally walk and participate in social life after several months of treatment.