Xhaka makes it clear who was behind Arsenal exit after Arteta disagreement
Granit Xhaka has reaffirmed that he was the one responsible for his summer exit from Arsenal, despite reports claiming his wife had a big influence on the decision.
Xhaka, 31, clocked up 297 appearances for the Gunners and become a popular figure at the Emirates during his stint in north London. The Switzerland international ended his seven-year association with the club in the summer transfer window by joining Bayer Leverkusen.
The midfield maestro has already spoken about the move, stressing that he was the driving force behind his Emirates departure. It has still repeatedly been claimed, though, that Xhaka's wife, Leonita Lekaj, was influential in the move.
The pair met prior to Xhaka's switch to Arsenal back in 2016 when he was on the books at Borussia Monchengladbach. But he has once again scotched suggestions that she drove the move, telling NZZ am Sonntag: "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 for me after seven years in London.
"I came here as an experienced player and person. The other players see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That’s part of my role here.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"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. I made the decision solely as a footballer and athlete. I came to a top club in Germany that has a plan and wants to achieve something. Of course the change was easier for us because, like me, we used to live in Dusseldorf and it is close to Monchengladbach, where my wife grew up."
Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal will miss Xhaka this season? Let us know here.
Granit Xhaka has spoken about his decision to quit Arsenal in the summer (Lars Baron)Earlier in the summer it was outlined that Xhaka was looking forward to playing as a No.6 at Leverkusen as their "head of operations" - a different role from the one he was deployed in at Arsenal. Despite Xhaka's preference for such a role, it is unlikely that Mikel Arteta would have agreed to use him as a No.6 he had stayed at the Emirates.
Arteta paid a glowing tribute to Xhaka earlier this summer after his exit had been confirmed. The Spaniard said: "We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club.
"The influence Granit has had on his team mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is. We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
