Stephen Warnock has praised Granit Xhaka for how he has turned his career around at Arsenal ahead of his possible exit.
On Sunday, when Arsenal line-up against Wolves for the final game of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, it could just prove to be Granit Xhaka’s last – talk about a possible transfer to Bayer Leverkusen is on the cards.
If it is, then the 30-year-old leaves with his head held high and former Liverpool left-back Warnock says he should be ‘applauded’ for what he has done, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.
That infamous moment against Crystal Palace, when the £120k-a-week star (Spotrac) was booed off the pitch by his own fans, will live long in the memory of his supporters.
But to turn those boos into cheers is pretty spectacular from the player because it says a lot about his own character.
That was touched upon by Warnock, who gave the hard-hitting midfielder his flowers, ahead of his rumoured exit.
“First of all, nothing but admiration for Granit Xhaka for turning his career around at Arsenal,” said Warnock
“It looked like it had gone. When you are walking off and you are getting booed by your own fans, and reacting to it, to be able to turn that around.
“Great management, first of all. But brilliant from the player. Mental strength to come back from that. You have got to applaud what he has done.”
XHAKA’S LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Playing in a more advanced role under Mikel Arteta, fans have started to see the attacking brain Xhaka has in his game.
From his decision-making to his calmness in the final third, that part of his game has shown, now that he has been pushed further forward.
But what will prove to be the biggest miss, if he leaves, is Xhaka’s leadership qualities, especially away from the pitch and the bright lights.
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