Xhaka still at Arsenal thanks to the impact of manager Arteta
Midfielder Granit Xhaka believes the only reason he is still at the club is the impact of manager Mikel Arteta.
The Swiss international was close to leaving the Emirates after falling out with the fans.
He even received threats from members of the public and said afterwards that he was ‘close to boiling point’.
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However, he is now back in the Arsenal first team and seems to be happy at the club.
That is mainly down to the influence of Arteta. Speaking to sources in Switzerland (via the Daily Mirror), the player said: “I was completely surprised by this. I am a person, I have emotions, things hurt me too.
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“The disparaging gesture in the direction of the fans that I made back then might not be done today.
“I didn’t go to training for two days, wondering what happened in the first place. My heart was already gone from the club.
“The fact that I’m still there today is thanks to coach Mikel Arteta.
“He first wanted me to explain how I feel and why I had acted this way. I was able to describe my motives to him and let out what was on my mind.”
Xhaka now seems to have turned around his tenure at Arsenal. The 28-year-old has made ten appearances in all competitions this season.
He competes for a place in the starting lineup with fellow midfielders Mohamed Elneny, Thomas Partey and Joe Willock.
One worry for Arsenal fans is the apparent injury to Partey. The summer signing came off at half time in their most recent match.
He is thought to have a thigh injury and is receiving a scan in the coming days.
The Gunners will need to regroup after the international break.
Their defeat to Aston Villa was a poor demonstration of their defensive capabilities.