World Cup 2022: Why Arsenal and England’s Saka Wore Torn Socks

• Bukayo Saka's torn socks at the ongoing 2022 World Cup have been the centre of attraction
• The 21-year-old was first seen wearing socks with holes during his side's match against Iran
• Saka started all of England's opening games of the World Cup, with two goals to his credit

Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka has been causing a stir at the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, after being spotted wearing torn socks.

The youngster was first spotted donning socks with holes in them during England's World Cup opener against Iran.

According to The Sun, Saka did the same thing when the Three Lions took on the USA in their second Group B fixture.

The forward's peculiar habit has been leaving fans in confusion, with many wondering the reason behind it.

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One posed:

"Do we always have holes in Saka’s socks?”

Another noted:

“Saka just loves torn socks, man.”

A third probed:

“Why does Saka wear torn socks? Somebody please explain."

While a fourth Twitter added:

“Why are there holes in Saka’s socks, be it for Arsenal or England?”

It has now emerged that Saka does this to improve his fitness during matches.

SunSport claims holes in socks help players to avoid injury to their bulging calves while in action, as the holes allow the tension in legs to be released.

Eventually, this helps prevent them from picking up muscle problems or cramps.

Incidentally, Saka is not the only player who has been spotted wearing torn socks, with Kyle Walker also using the same technique to stay fit.

Saka picks England ahead of Nigeria

Born in Ealing, England to Nigerian parents, the 21-year-old pledged his international allegiance to the Three Lions despite his eligibility to represent the Super Eagles.

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“I feel like I’m really, really proud of my Nigerian heritage,” Saka told Sky Sports.

Saka revealed he watches Nigeria football games where he can, and wished them the best.

“...But I’ve seen the process of how England are transforming and I think in the future, they’re going to do great stuff. I feel like it was right for me to choose England."

The switch was complete when he made his senior debut for Gareth Southgate’s men in their 3-0 thumping of Wales at Wembley Stadium.

In that encounter, he was introduced for Ainsley Maitland-Niles with 14 minutes left on the clock.

He was part of the English squad that finished as runners-up at Euro 2020 – where he missed a penalty against Italy in the final.

Saka gives back to motherland

Sports Brief earlier reported on Saka sponsoring surgery for children from Nigeria, who are suffering from various health issues.

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The surgeries were done in October 2022 and the England international explained that he is happy to have helped.

The actions of the 21-year-old came as a response to concerns over diseases like inguinal hernias and brain tumours in the West African nation.