Xhaka reveals which club he wants to join after Arsenal

Tom Grant
  • Updated: 24 Nov 2021 10:20 GMT
  • 3 min read
Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, Premier League, 2020-21
© ProShots

It is fair to say that Granit Xhaka has had a love-hate relationship with the Arsenal fans during his five years with the club.

The Swiss international captain was famously stripped of the Emirates armband by Unai Emery in 2019 after he was caught on camera telling fans to "f*** off" when they booed him whilst substituted.

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The captaincy was passed to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and he has held it ever since.

But the 29-year-old has remained at the Gunners and recently signed a contract extension in August that takes him to June 2024.

And that will take Xhaka - who has played 225 times for the club - to eight years at Arsenal.

Monchengladbach fans hopeful of a return

Former club Borussia Monchengladbach still hold the Switzerland star in high regard and hope he decides to make a heroic return to Germany when his latest deal expires.

Xhaka played 140 times for Gladbach and is fondly remembered for scoring the winning goal in a derby win over Koln in 2015.

Granit Xhaka, Arsenal v Chelsea, pre season friendly, 2021
© ProShots

Speaking to a Gladbach podcast, Xhaka spoke about how important that moment was in his time with the club.

"I will never forget that day. I even saved the date, the minute of the game on my mobile phone under notes," Xhaka said.

What did Xhaka say about a return?

If Max Eberl is ready to bring me back at the age of 32, my door will also be open
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Asked if he would consider a move back to the club, Xhaka left the door open for Gladbach fans. He said: "Then I'll be 32.

"And if Max Eberl is ready to bring me back at the age of 32, my door will also be open."

Eberl is Gladbach's Director of Football and was the man who sanctioned Xhaka's move to Arsenal for £40.5 million in 2016.

Xhaka has had a tough season this year only making four appearances for Arsenal. That is due to a mix of suspension and injury and the player is currently out with a ligament problem.

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