Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has shed light on why he decided to leave the London club to join German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka’s arrival in Leverkusen was an unexpected move during the summer transfer window. His efforts have also proved instrumental in the club’s strong start to the season.
While his time at Arsenal had come to an end after seven years in London, Xhaka in a recent interview, emphasized that his decision to join Leverkusen was primarily driven by his passion to help young teams, as well as the desire for a new challenge.
“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,” he said.
Contrary to speculations, Xhaka clarified that his move was not influenced by personal factors, such as his wife’s location.
He said he chose Leverkusen because it presented an exciting opportunity with a club that has a clear plan and ambitions.
Reflecting on the differences between playing for Arsenal and Leverkusen, Xhaka acknowledged the calm and focused environment at Bayer Leverkusen. He emphasized that other clubs often face more scrutiny and pressure, making Leverkusen an advantageous place to thrive.
Xhaka also shared insights into working under head coach Xabi Alonso, describing him as “extremely unpleasant” to play against due to his football intelligence and precision.
He noted that Alonso’s guidance has allowed him to elevate his midfield skills, adding, “I have the feeling that I have taken another step forward in this regard in the two months here in Leverkusen.”
Leverkusen currently tops the Bundesliga table after matchday six. The club hope for a historic season where they can steal the title from regular winners Bayern Munich.
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