From Arsenal Fallout to Premier League Resurgence: Granit Xhaka’s Candid Journey
Granit Xhaka’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but his recent resurgence at Sunderland has football fans buzzing. After a tumultuous seven-year stint at Arsenal, marked by both triumph and controversy, Xhaka’s return to the Premier League is nothing short of remarkable. But here’s where it gets controversial: his departure from Arsenal wasn’t just about football—it was about a clash of personalities, a fallout with fans, and a decision that left many questioning his future. Now, as he shines in Sunderland’s midfield, one can’t help but wonder: Was leaving Arsenal the best move of his career?
Xhaka’s journey began in 2016 when he joined Arsenal, where he helped the Gunners secure two FA Cup victories and a Europa League final appearance. Yet, his time in North London was far from smooth. At 33, he reflects on a major fallout with supporters in 2019, a moment he describes as a ‘misunderstanding,’ and the subsequent stripping of his captaincy. Despite these challenges, he credits Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for keeping him at the club during turbulent times. ‘He was the guy who kept me in the football club,’ Xhaka reveals. ‘I will never forget what he did for me.’
After leaving Arsenal, Xhaka made an immediate impact at Bayer Leverkusen, helping them secure a historic double in Germany. But the allure of the Premier League proved irresistible. In a candid interview with Kelly Somers, Xhaka explains why he chose Sunderland: ‘I love the challenge,’ he says. ‘I had the feeling I needed a new challenge.’ But is Sunderland truly the right fit for a player of his caliber, or is this just another stop on his unpredictable journey?
Xhaka’s decision to join Sunderland raised eyebrows, especially after his success in Germany. ‘Even the people closest to me were saying, ‘Why are you going back to the Premier League to join Sunderland?’’ he admits. Yet, he was drawn to the club’s humility and the small-city vibe reminiscent of his upbringing. ‘I just wanted to come back to a reality that I believe is the right direction for myself and my family,’ he explains.
However, Xhaka’s return to the Premier League hasn’t been without its challenges. An injury has sidelined him from what would have been an emotional return to the Emirates Stadium, a place he calls his ‘second home after Sunderland.’ Is this a sign of things to come, or just a minor setback in his resurgence?
One of the most intriguing aspects of Xhaka’s personality is his on-field demeanor. Known for his intensity and straightforwardness, he admits, ‘I’m not here to create friends. I’m here to win.’ This approach has earned him both admiration and criticism. ‘A lot of clubs—or a lot of other players—don’t like me on the pitch,’ he says with a hint of pride. But is his win-at-all-costs mentality a strength or a weakness?
Off the pitch, Xhaka is a family man who values humility and respect—values instilled in him by his parents, who fled ex-Yugoslavia with nothing. His father’s three-and-a-half-year imprisonment for political reasons shaped their family’s resilience. ‘They brought both of their sons through the right direction without any big problems,’ Xhaka reflects. ‘They gave us respect, discipline, and the mentality to be humble.’
When asked about his darkest moments, Xhaka opens up about his struggles at Arsenal. ‘The worst time I had was always when I was alone,’ he admits. ‘I just wanted to deal with it alone, looking to myself and saying, ‘Why has this happened? Why is it me?’’ His ability to bounce back from these lows is a testament to his mental fortitude. But how much of his success is due to his own resilience, and how much is owed to the support of those around him?
As Xhaka looks to the future, he remains grounded. ‘I’m not thinking about what happened in one year,’ he says. ‘I just think about what happens tomorrow.’ This shift in perspective, born from years of experience, highlights his growth both as a player and a person. But in a sport as unpredictable as football, can anyone truly plan for tomorrow?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Granit Xhaka’s controversial past at Arsenal has overshadowed his undeniable talent, or has it made him the player he is today? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
