"Two steps forward" - Ex-Arsenal captain suggests he made the right choice leaving for European giants
Granit Xhaka has reflected on his move from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen by insisting it was an upturn in his career. The veteran midfielder was a key member of Xabi Alonso's squad who won the Bundesliga title unbeaten in 34 games.
Xhaka spoke ahead of his sophomore season with Leverkusen, and he touched on his transfer. He told @BILD_Bayer04 on X:
"The move from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen was not a step back, but rather two steps forward. We have to do better than last season now."
Xhaka, 31, joined Leverkusen from the Gunners for a reported £21.4 million. He appeared 50 times across competitions, registering four goals and two assists.
The 130-cap Switzerland international ended a seven-year stay at the Emirates last summer. He'd made 297 appearances, winning two FA Cups and two Community Shields.
Xhaka encountered a mixed spell at Arsenal amid issues regarding his temperament and topsy-turvy form. He was stripped of the club captaincy in November 2019 after a public outburst at fans.
The Swiss bounced back and became an important player under Mikel Arteta. He enjoyed the best season of his career in the 2022-24 campaign, posting nine goals and seven assists in 47 games across competitions.
"He needed that stability" - Mikel Arteta's take on Granit Xhaka's Arsenal departure
Xhaka has gone on record to say that Arteta was key in him continuing his career at Arsenal beyond 2021. He'd endured a difficult time after the captaincy drama but flourished working with the Spanish coach who arrived in December 2019.
Arteta delved into Xhaka's exit and acknowledged how his former midfielder wanted a new adventure. He said (via TNT Sports):
"It came to a point where he was looking for something different in his career and he needed that stability for his family and when someone is giving you everything, I think morally you have to listen to the situation and accept it."
Xhaka's starting role was at risk following Arsenal's club record £105 million signing of Declan Rice. The England international immediately became a protagonist for the north Londoners, arguably their standout performer last season.
A move made sense for all parties, and Xhaka left the Emirates on a high by putting up the best numbers of his career. He's now shining in the Bundesliga and is a mainstay in Alonso's side.