Granit Xhaka recently opened up about his departure from Arsenal during the 2023 summer transfer window, shedding light on the reasons behind his decision to leave the club. Contrary to speculation, Xhaka clarified that his departure was not influenced by his wife’s happiness in England. Instead, he expressed his longing for fresh challenges and a new beginning after spending seven years at Arsenal.
New Horizons Await
Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen was officially confirmed a few days ago, with Arsenal set to receive a transfer fee of £21.5 million for the Swiss midfielder. The 30-year-old expressed his enthusiasm about joining the German club and emphasized the long-term project presented by sporting director Simon Rolfes and former footballer Xabi Alonso.
During the interview, Xhaka provided insight into the reasons behind his departure, stating:
- He seeks new challenges and a fresh start.
- Leverkusen’s long-term project aligns with his aspirations.
End of an Era
Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal signifies the end of an era for both the player and the club. He joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach and swiftly became an integral part of their midfield. Renowned for his impressive passing ability and leadership qualities, Xhaka accumulated over 200 appearances for Arsenal during his seven-year tenure.
Challenges and Devotion
However, Xhaka’s time at Arsenal was not without challenges. He faced criticism from fans and pundits alike due to some high-profile mistakes on the pitch, resulting in him being stripped of the captaincy in 2019. Nevertheless, Xhaka remained devoted to the club and played a significant role under different managers.
Embracing a New Beginning
As he embarks on a new chapter with Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka aims to start afresh and reaffirm his value as a player. Leverkusen, known for nurturing young talents and playing an attractive style of football, seems to be an ideal match for Xhaka’s ambitions.
For Arsenal, Xhaka’s departure necessitates finding a suitable replacement in midfield. The Swiss international’s exit leaves a void in their squad, and manager Mikel Arteta will need to identify a player capable of effectively filling that role.
Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal Statistics
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2016/17 | 32 | 2 | 3 |
| 2017/18 | 38 | 4 | 6 |
| 2018/19 | 40 | 3 | 8 |
| 2019/20 | 31 | 1 | 6 |
| 2020/21 | 37 | 2 | 4 |
| 2021/22 | 32 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 210 | 15 | 32 |
In summary, Xhaka’s decision to leave Arsenal was driven by his eagerness for new challenges and the belief that Bayer Leverkusen’s long-term project aligns with his ambitions. As he embarks on this new phase in his career, fans will be eagerly anticipating how he adapts to life in Germany and whether he can recapture his best form.
