Granit Xhaka addresses Arsenal return in Bayer Leverkusen pre-season friendly

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Evening Standard

·7 August 2024

Granit Xhaka addresses Arsenal return in Bayer Leverkusen pre-season friendly

German giants meet Gunners at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night

Granit Xhaka is relishing a return to Arsenal as Bayer Leverkusen head to the Emirates Stadium for a pre-season friendly.

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The Swiss international spent an eventful seven years with the Gunners before leaving for the German side in the summer of 2023.

After being booed off the park during a draw with Crystal Palace in 2019 and subsequently stripped of the captaincy by former manager Unai Emery, the midfielder went on to enjoy a fine second act to his Arsenal career and left as a fan favourite.

Xhaka then played a key role as Xabi Alonso’s side swept all before them in a remarkable unbeaten domestic campaign, taking them to Bundesliga and DfB Pokal glory.

Speaking to BILD ahead of his return to north London, the 31-year-old said: “When you play at a club for seven years, the return is always special.

Granit Xhaka rebuilt relations with Arsenal supporters before leaving the club

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“Especially because of the people from before. I had a wonderful time at Arsenal and still have daily contact with many of the players and staff.

“From the team mainly with Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus. I’m looking forward to the game, a very strong opponent. An opponent that we also have to prepare for in the Champions League.”

Mikel Arteta’s side host Leverkusen in their penultimate friendly of the summer before they start their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on Saturday 17 August.