Speaking on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, Kevin Campbell has been discussing Granit Xhaka after his article in The Players’ Tribune.
The midfielder spoke about his issues with the Arsenal fanbase over the years, and he discussed his emotions in a very candid manner.
Xhaka clearly had a lot to get off of his chest, but Campbell wasn’t very happy with the way he’s approached things, claiming that his behaviour, at times, has been unacceptable and that he’s made himself out to be a victim due to his ego.
What’s been said?
Campbell spoke about Xhaka’s article.
“It comes as no surprise because Xhaka has a high estimation of himself, he does, a very high estimation of himself, and it was like he was the victim. Listen, anything to do with your family, that abuse, that’s out, we will back him on that one 100%, because that isn’t right,” Campball said.
“That part, I agree with him on that part since day one. But when you play for Arsenal, and you disrespect yourself by reacting to the fans and then you have the audacity to throw the shirt and the captain’s armband down, you have set yourself up to be a hate figure, let’s have it right. Which other players have done that and carried on like they own the place? It’s madness.”
Emotive
Xhaka and certain sections of the fanbase will never get on, and that’s because of how emotive football can be.
As Campbell says, that day against Crystal Palace, Xhaka disrespected the club, and in the eyes of some, that is just completely and utterly unacceptable.
For some, football is a hobby or a pastime, but for others, it’s an all-encompassing part of their identity, and if you love Arsenal, you’re not going to tolerate that type of disrespect for your club.
Campbell says that Xhaka has set himself up to be a hate figure, and sadly, he’s right, fans don’t forget incidents like this, and sadly, there are some supporters that he will never be able to win over.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
