Talk about a fitting hero.
As Red Bull Salzburg secured yet another Austrian Bundesliga title on Wednesday night – an eighth in succession – it was their talismanic top scorer who led the celebrations.
Patson Daka certainly earned his slice of fortune too. The so-called ‘next Thierry Henry’ opened the scoring in Salzburg’s silverware-sealing 2-0 victory over Rapid Vienna, his scuffed shot taking a huge deflection before looping wildly into the net.
His second of the game – and 33rd of a stunning season – was more like the Daka Salzburg fans have come to know and love. Cutting in from the left in a move reminiscent of a certain Arsenal legend, the Zambia international curled home a devastating finish with his right foot.
Like Erling Haaland, Takumi Minamino, Sadio Mane and co, Daka will graduate from the Salzburg finishing school with a PHD in goalscoring under his arm and a league winner’s medal hanging round his neck.
“We are an incredible team,” says the striker, who has 26 goals in 26 league games this term. “Everyone works for each other and we all support one another. It means so much to me – but it’s not only about me.
“It means so much to the club. I am just incredibly grateful and pleased I was able to help the team to have such a good season. I am just really happy to be here.”
Unfortunately for Salzburg supporters, Daka won’t be sticking around for much longer. He, like Haaland before him, is ready to fly the Red Bull Arena nest.
In March, Salzburger Nachrichten reported Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City were all interested while Daka’s agent – former Tottenham striker Freddie Kanoute – insists the time is right to leave.
Daka’s time at Salzburg was short and sweet – but he won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
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