Granit Xhaka has recently opened up about his departure from Arsenal during the last transfer window, addressing the speculations surrounding his exit related to his wife’s alleged unhappiness in London.
Xhaka played a pivotal role at the Emirates, with his final season being one of his standout performances for the club, as they came close to securing the Premier League title.
Towards the end of the previous season, Bayer Leverkusen expressed interest in the midfielder, and Arsenal granted his departure shortly after signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
Before his departure, there were widespread reports suggesting that he was leaving due to his partner’s desire to return to Germany. However, the Swiss captain has clarified that his decision to leave was primarily driven by his eagerness to embrace a new challenge.
Xhaka tells Fussball Transfers:
“It was sometimes written that I was coming back to Germany because of my wife. That’s not the truth. Like me, she was very happy in London.”
Adding: “I didn’t come to Leverkusen as a boss… but because I was looking for a new challenge. I felt like my time at Arsenal was over after seven years in London. I came here as an experienced player and person. My teammates see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That’s part of my role here.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Xhaka was one of our best players when he played for us and the midfielder continues to shine in the German top flight.
He did not win the league with us, but he was a good player during the spell of Mikel Arteta and Arsene Wenger.
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If Granit goes into management after retiring the sky is the limit on what he will achieve.
We already miss him! Matured into a top player and leader. Loved to see his trajectory during his time at Arsenal.
Judging Xhaka over his whole seven years here. and despite his clear warrior attitude, means he definitely CANNOT BE JUDGED AS A SUCCESS.
I see no truth in deliberatelt trying to rewrite history after five failed years ,one top season and a half decent one two seasons ago .
Same ratio as with OZIL, but HE was not a WARRIOR but a wimp!
Granit was harshly scapegoated, for me, I am gutted he is not still with us. I wish him well in all he does in the future.
Many players or elite athletes have been accused of not knowing when to quit.no one can accuse Xhaka of that.after his best season with us,he knew that it would be very difficult to replicate it(on an individual level I mean).I miss him as a player but this was the right to leave for all parties concerned.
@Xhaka once a gunner,always a gunner!