Granit Xhaka has shed light on his decision to leave Arsenal and join Bayer Leverkusen, stating that he was seeking a new challenge. The Swiss midfielder completed his move to Bayer last week for a fee of €25m.
There were rumors circulating that Xhaka’s wife was unhappy in England, but the player dismissed those claims, saying they were untrue. Instead, he explained that after spending seven years at Arsenal, he felt it was time for something completely new. While the league itself is not new to him, the club is, and during his discussions with sporting director Simon Rolfes and former player Xabi Alonso, Xhaka felt that Leverkusen’s long-term project aligned perfectly with his own ambitions.
Xhaka also spoke highly of his former coach at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, describing him as a coach he immensely respects. He praised Arteta’s deep understanding of the game and his unique perspective, saying that their great relationship played a significant role in achieving the team’s ultimate goal of qualifying for the Champions League.
During Arteta’s tenure as Arsenal manager, the club managed to secure a spot in the prestigious Champions League competition. This achievement had eluded the team for several years and marked a significant milestone for the club. Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal does not indicate any dissatisfaction or issues with the coaching staff or the club. Rather, it is a personal decision driven by his desire for a fresh challenge.
The move to Bayer Leverkusen presents Xhaka with an opportunity to start a new chapter in his career. The midfielder has been a consistent performer for Arsenal, showcasing his leadership skills and versatility on the pitch. Now, he will bring his experience and expertise to Leverkusen, hoping to contribute to the team’s progress in both domestic and European competitions.
Xhaka’s departure from Arsenal may be seen as a loss for the Premier League side, but it also provides an opening for new players to shine and for the club to explore different options in midfield. Arsenal will undoubtedly look to strengthen their squad and find suitable replacements to maintain their competitiveness in the league.
As Xhaka embarks on this new adventure with Bayer Leverkusen, fans and pundits alike will be keeping a close eye on his performances in order to assess the impact he can make in the Bundesliga. The midfielder’s decision to seek a fresh challenge is a testament to his ambition and determination to continue growing and developing as a player.
Overall, Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen was motivated by his desire to embrace new challenges and contribute to the long-term project at the German club. While acknowledging his respect for Mikel Arteta and the success they achieved together at Arsenal, Xhaka felt it was the right time to pursue a fresh start. Only time will tell how this move will shape his career and the impact he will make at Bayer Leverkusen.
