Granit Xhaka has finally opened up about the circumstances leading to his departure from Arsenal, shedding light on one of the most talked-about transfers of 2023. After seven years at the Emirates, the Swiss international made a surprising move to Bayer Leverkusen, leaving fans divided.
Xhaka revealed his decision stemmed from a desire for a new challenge and personal growth, despite having enjoyed his best season in an Arsenal shirt. He played a pivotal role in Arsenal's midfield resurgence during the 2022/23 season, contributing seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League. However, he felt it was "the right time" to leave, aligning with Bayer Leverkusen’s vision under Xabi Alonso. His move was not influenced by family reasons, as rumors suggested, but purely by his ambition to evolve as a player.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, supported Xhaka’s decision, describing it as an amicable and timely agreement. Xhaka’s departure also paved the way for Arsenal to rebuild, most notably with the record-breaking signing of Declan Rice.
While Xhaka’s time at Arsenal had its ups and downs, including a controversial clash with fans in 2019, his transformation into a fan favorite in his final years cemented his legacy. For many, his departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in his career at Leverkuson.
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