Arsenal’s Struggles and Sunderland’s Joy: Xhaka Opens Up

Dark Times at Arsenal

Granit Xhaka reflects on his challenging experiences while playing for Arsenal, where he faced significant ups and downs during his tenure from 2016 to 2023. The Swiss midfielder had memorable moments, including two FA Cup victories and a place in the Europa League final, yet his time at the club was marred by conflicts with supporters and a controversial removal from the captaincy.

A New Chapter with Sunderland

After departing Arsenal, Xhaka quickly made an impression at Bayer Leverkusen, contributing to their double win in Germany. However, the appeal of the Premier League drew him back, resulting in his recent signing with Sunderland.

Key Takeaways from Xhaka’s Career Transition

• Return to England: Xhaka, now 33, joins Sunderland as they return to the Premier League after an eight-year hiatus.
• Injury Update: The midfielder will miss the upcoming match against Arsenal due to injury, preventing what he called a “very emotional” return to his former club.
• Respect for Arteta: Xhaka expressed gratitude towards Gunners manager Mikel Arteta for his support during their time together.

Xhaka’s Reflections in a Candid Interview

In a recent interview with Kelly Somers, Xhaka discussed various aspects of his career, including his decision to join Sunderland and his tumultuous relationship with Arsenal fans.

Notable Quotes from Xhaka

• On Tough Moments: He mentioned two significant challenging phases of his life: moving to Germany at a young age and his public fallout with Arsenal fans in 2019. He believes these experiences contributed to his growth.
• Proud of His Tenure: Reflecting on his seven years at Arsenal, he acknowledges the difficulties but feels a sense of pride in his longevity at a top-level club.
• Plans for the Future: When asked about returning to the Premier League, he had not anticipated so soon after leaving Arsenal but felt the time was right.

Insights into Xhaka’s Personality

• Challenges Accepted: Xhaka shared the reasoning behind his move to Sunderland, stating that he craved a new challenge after a successful period in Germany.
• The Drive to Win: He emphasized his competitive nature, clarifying that while he may provoke opponents on the field, his focus remains solely on winning.

Family Influences and Personal Growth

Xhaka credits his family, particularly his father, for instilling the values of hard work and humility that have shaped his approach to life and football.

Family’s Impact on His Career

• Courage and Sacrifice: He recalls his father’s challenging past and how it motivated him to strive for success.
• Humble Outlook: Despite his accomplishments, Xhaka aims to remain grounded, keeping in mind the trials he faced during his career.

Closing Thoughts

As Granit Xhaka embarks on this new adventure with Sunderland, he reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career. The midfielder remains focused on the present, looking forward while cherishing the experiences that have made him a resilient player.