Granit Xhaka has revealed that it’s ‘certain’ he would have left Arsenal if not for Mikel Arteta’s appointment.
The Spaniard replaced Unai Emery as Gunners boss last December and already it looks like they’re headed in a much better direction under him.
Arsenal won the FA Cup in Arteta’s first half-a-season in charge and with two Premier League wins from two, and major scalps over Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool since becoming head coach, the 38-year-old seems like one of Europe’s most exciting young bosses.
Xhaka was heavily linked with a move away from North London at the time of Emery’s dismissal, having been stripped of the captaincy after storming off the field at the Emirates Stadium.
And the 2016 signing, who earns £100,000 per week at Arsenal, has claimed that he definitely wouldn’t still be at the club if not for his new manager.
He said to Watson: “For me, one thing is certain: I wouldn’t be in London without him. He was the decisive factor, with his philosophy, with his style, with his idea. I am really grateful to him for that!”
You can tell Xhaka is enjoying his football under Arteta, because he looks a much more confident and assured player than he did under Emery.
Not only that, but Xhaka seems a good bit more disciplined these days and long may it last, from Arsenal’s perspective.
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