- Xhaka Leaves The Gunners After 7 years In North London
Bayer Leverkusen have confirmed the signing of Granit Xhaka who leaves Arsenal after 7 years at the club. The Switzerland midfielder has signed a 5-years contract with the Bundesliga side in a transfer worth over €20m.
Granit Xhaka had a colourful stay at the Emirates, from being a fan favourite, to falling out with the fans, and then winning the hearts of the Gunners faithful once again under Mikel Arteta.
Xhaka won two FA Cups with Arsenal, but although they did not win anything, his best campaign for Arsenal was last season. He led the young Gunners back into the Champions League with inspiring performances as they almost clinched the Premier League title.
Xhaka thanked Arsenal fans on his social media page –
“Gunners, it’s been some journey – and all that’s left is for me to say thank you. I’ve spent seven years at Arsenal. The club has become such an important part of my life – and it’s not easy to leave. But now is the right time for a new adventure. I will always carry Arsenal in my heart. Once a Gunner, always a Gunner.“
The Swiss midfielder chose to return to the Bundesliga after speaking with Bayer Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso. The Spanish manager impressed many with the turn-around he oversaw at Leverkusen last season, and he hopes to continue improving the club by attracting stars like Granit Xhaka.
