Xhaka reveals the real reason why he decided to leave Arsenal this summer

Granit Xhaka, the Swiss midfielder, recently revealed the reasons behind his departure from Arsenal in the summer transfer window of 2023. Contrary to speculation, Xhaka clarified that his decision to leave was not influenced by his wife’s happiness in England. Instead, he expressed his desire for new challenges and a fresh start after spending seven years at Arsenal.

Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen was confirmed a few days ago, with Arsenal set to receive a fee of £21.5 million for the midfielder. The 30-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the German club and highlighted the long-term project presented by sporting director Simon Rolfes and former footballer Xabi Alonso.

In an interview with Keystone-SDA, Xhaka stated, “The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes & Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100 per cent in line with me.” This suggests that Xhaka sees Leverkusen as a club where he can continue to grow and develop as a player.

Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal marks the end of an era for both player and club. He joined Arsenal in 2016 from Borussia Monchengladbach and quickly became an integral part of their midfield. Known for his strong passing ability and leadership qualities, Xhaka made over 200 appearances for Arsenal during his seven-year stint.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Xhaka at Arsenal. He faced criticism from fans and pundits alike for some high-profile mistakes on the pitch, which led to him losing his captaincy in 2019. Despite these setbacks, Xhaka remained committed to the club and played an important role under different managers.

Now, as he embarks on a new chapter with Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka will be hoping to make a fresh start and prove his worth once again. Leverkusen, a club known for nurturing young talents and playing an attractive style of football, seems like the perfect fit for Xhaka’s ambitions.

For Arsenal, losing Xhaka means they will have to find a suitable replacement in midfield. The Swiss international’s departure leaves a void in their squad, and manager Mikel Arteta will need to identify a player who can fill that role effectively.

Overall, Xhaka’s decision to leave Arsenal was driven by his desire for new challenges and the belief that Bayer Leverkusen’s long-term project aligns with his ambitions. As he begins this new chapter in his career, fans will be eager to see how he adapts to life in Germany and whether he can rediscover his best form.