“This is now the right and perfect time for me to speak, but Arsenal fans won’t believe me”- Granit Xhaka finally reveals the hidden truth why he left Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen
In a candid and emotionally charged interview, Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain, has finally opened up about the real reasons behind his departure from the North London club to join Bayer Leverkusen. Despite speculation and rumors swirling around his exit, Xhaka believes that the truth has remained largely hidden, and he is now ready to share his side of the story. However, he anticipates skepticism from Arsenal fans, who may find his revelations hard to believe.
The Background of Xhaka’s Arsenal Tenure
Granit Xhaka joined Arsenal in the summer of 2016 from Borussia Mönchengladbach. Over his seven seasons with the Gunners, Xhaka became a divisive figure among fans. While admired by some for his leadership and combative style, others criticized him for his occasional lapses in discipline and inconsistent performances. His time at Arsenal was marked by highs, including captaining the team, and lows, such as his public fallout with the fans.
The Fallout: A Turning Point
One of the pivotal moments in Xhaka’s Arsenal career came in October 2019 during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace. As he was substituted, Xhaka reacted angrily to boos from the home crowd, cupping his ear and appearing to swear at the fans before removing his shirt and storming off down the tunnel. This incident led to him being stripped of the captaincy and strained his relationship with the supporters.
The Official Departure
In the summer of 2023, Xhaka made the move to Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of around €25 million. Official statements from both the player and the club suggested that the decision was mutual and amicable, aimed at providing Xhaka with a new challenge and Arsenal with funds to reinvest in their squad. However, Xhaka’s recent revelations paint a different picture.
Xhaka’s Revelation: The Hidden Truth
Speaking openly in an exclusive interview, Xhaka detailed the underlying reasons for his departure, which, according to him, go far beyond what was publicly disclosed.
1. Lack of Respect and Understanding: “From the outside, it might have looked like I was just another player leaving for a new challenge, but the truth is, I felt increasingly marginalized and misunderstood at Arsenal. There were moments when I felt the respect and understanding I deserved as a professional were missing. This was not just from the fans, but at times, within the club itself.”
2. Broken Promises: “When I first joined Arsenal, I was promised a project that would see the club return to its glory days. I was sold a vision that, over the years, seemed to shift and lose clarity. Decisions were made that didn’t align with the promises initially made to me. It was frustrating to see the direction of the club change without any real explanation.”
3. The Fallout’s Lingering Impact: “The incident against Crystal Palace was a significant turning point. While I apologized and tried to move forward, it always felt like a shadow hanging over me. The relationship with the fans was never the same, and despite my efforts on the pitch, the incident was never truly forgiven or forgotten. It made my position at the club increasingly untenable.”
4. Desire for Stability and Appreciation: “At Bayer Leverkusen, I found a club that appreciates my abilities and offers stability. The project here is clear and aligns with my personal and professional goals. I needed an environment where I felt valued and could play my best football without the baggage of past controversies.”
Arsenal Fans’ Potential Reaction
Xhaka is aware that his revelations might be met with skepticism by Arsenal fans. “I know there will be those who won’t believe me, who think I am just making excuses. But this is my truth, and I feel it’s important to share it now. My time at Arsenal was a rollercoaster, and while I have many fond memories, it’s important for me to explain why I had to move on.”
Arsenal’s Perspective
From Arsenal’s standpoint, Xhaka’s departure was seen as a necessary step in their ongoing rebuild. Mikel Arteta has been focused on reshaping the squad, bringing in younger talents and creating a team capable of challenging for top honors. The sale of Xhaka provided funds that could be reinvested in new signings, aligning with the club’s strategic goals.
The Impact on Both Clubs
1. For Arsenal: Xhaka’s departure marked the end of an era and allowed the club to focus on a new direction. The funds from his sale were reinvested in the squad, aiding in the acquisition of new talents who fit Arteta’s vision for the future. The club has continued to develop its young core, aiming for a sustainable and competitive future.
2. For Bayer Leverkusen: Xhaka’s arrival has been a significant boost. His experience and leadership have added depth and stability to the midfield, contributing positively to the team’s performances. His presence is seen as a crucial part of Leverkusen’s ambitions to compete at the top level in the Bundesliga and in European competitions.
Moving Forward
Xhaka’s honesty about his Arsenal exit provides a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced and the decisions he made. While some fans may remain unconvinced, others may gain a newfound respect for the complexities of a footballer’s career and the difficult choices they must make.
As Xhaka continues his career at Bayer Leverkusen, both he and Arsenal move forward, learning from the past and striving for future success. This chapter serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics in professional sports, where personal and professional factors intertwine, shaping the paths of players and clubs alike.
In conclusion, Granit Xhaka’s candid revelations offer a poignant insight into the realities of his departure from Arsenal. While opinions will undoubtedly vary, his story underscores the importance of understanding and empathy in the often harsh world of professional football. As he embarks on this new chapter with Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka’s journey continues, marked by resilience and a desire for a fresh start.