“This is now the right and perfect time for me to speak, because i feel Arsenal fans deserve an explanation”- Granit Xhaka finally reveals the hidden truth why he left Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen after winning the Bundesliga trophy

“This is now the right and perfect time for me to speak, because i feel Arsenal fans deserve an explanation”- Granit Xhaka finally reveals the hidden truth why he left Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen

GRANIT XHAKA REVEALS WHY HE LEFT ARSENAL FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN

When Xabi Alonso was appointed as the new head coach of Bayer Leverkusen last October, the team was facing a potential relegation battle. However, a remarkable turnaround under Alonso’s leadership saw the team qualify for European football. As the new season began, there was a sense of optimism and high expectations among the fans and the club.

The summer transfer window was an exciting period for Leverkusen. The club managed to secure the signings of several star players, including Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface. These acquisitions added to the excitement and optimism surrounding the team. But perhaps the most talked-about signing was that of Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal captain.

Granit Xhaka, the Swiss international who had a mixed tenure in London, was considered a crucial signing for Alonso’s strategic vision. Since joining Leverkusen, Xhaka has played some of the best football of his career, significantly contributing to the team’s potential title challenge. Besides his on-field performance, Xhaka brings a wealth of leadership and experience to the team. Despite this, he downplayed his role when speaking to NZZ am Sonntag:

“What does boss mean? The word is a bit big. I didn’t come to Leverkusen as a boss, but because I was looking for a new challenge. I felt like my time at Arsenal was over for me after seven years in London. I came here as an experienced player and person. The other players see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That’s part of my role here.”

Xhaka also shared the reasons behind his decision to leave Arsenal for Leverkusen. Contrary to some reports, his move was not influenced by personal reasons:

“It was sometimes written that I was coming back to Germany because of my wife. That’s not the truth. Like me, she was very happy in London. I made the decision solely as a footballer and athlete. I came to a top club in Germany that has a plan and wants to achieve something. Of course the change was easier for us because, like me, we used to live in Düsseldorf and it is close to Mönchengladbach, where my wife grew up.”

Xhaka appreciated the differences between playing for Arsenal and Leverkusen, noting the less intense media focus in Germany:

“You can only see what it’s really like if you can train here every day and be there. You can work in peace at Bayer Leverkusen, there is no chaos, other clubs are more in focus. This is an advantage. At Arsenal the pressure is different. But we have high ambitions because we know that we have enormous potential in the team. If we keep working like this and keep our feet on the ground, we can achieve something.”

The 31-year-old midfielder also spoke about the experience of playing under Alonso, highlighting the tactical insights he gained from the former player:

“He was extremely unpleasant. Thanks to his cleverness, his pass security and his timing, you never even had to press against him. That’s what he conveys to us today. I have the feeling that I have taken another step forward in this regard in the two months here in Leverkusen. He tells us in small details what turns a good midfielder into a top midfielder.”

Under Alonso’s guidance and with Xhaka playing a pivotal role, Bayer Leverkusen looks forward to what could be a historic season. After the first six matchdays, they sit at the top of the Bundesliga table, showing no signs of slowing down.