Granit Xhaka: “It Wasn’t Easy for Me” – Revealing the Challenges and Triumphs of His Journey
Granit Xhaka acknowledges that it was difficult to abandon Arsenal and that he did not want to face the Gunners, but he desired a new challenge.
Granit Xhaka concluded a transfer to Bayer Leverkusen earlier this month, netting Arsenal a hefty transfer fee of £21.5 million.
Xhaka admitted to the media that it was not an easy decision for him to make, particularly given his relationship with the Arsenal backroom staff.
I spent seven magnificent years at Arsenal, I didn’t want to play against them,”Xhaka informed Marca.
“It wasn’t easy for me to leave or for the club to let me go.
“I felt love and respect from Edu and [Mikel] Arteta, but I wanted to face a new challenge at Bayer Leverkusen.
“Mikel is incredible, not only as a coach, and I think Xabi [Alonso] is on the same line.”
After such a successful season, it is possible that Xhaka’s decision to depart initially surprised many fans.
The midfielder had made 47 appearances as a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s squad in 2022/23, scoring nine goals and assisting seven more.
In quest of an explanation, it was hypothesized that Xhaka’s wife was responsible for his decision to return to Germany. The athlete, however, has denied these claims.
“There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true,” Xhaka stated earlier this month.
“The fact is that as a person I am always interested in new challenges. After seven years, the time has come for something completely new.
“The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes [sporting director] and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me.”
The fee of £21.5 million is the highest ever paid by a Premier League club for a midfielder in his thirties, easily surpassing the £10 million plus two million pounds Arsenal paid for Jorginho in January.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunate to see Xhaka leave Arsenal after his finest season there.
Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were brought in to bolster the club’s midfield, and Xhaka’s decision to make a fresh start may have come at the right moment for everyone.
Granit Xhaka: “It Wasn’t Easy for Me” – Revealing the Challenges and Triumphs of His Journey
