Arsenal fan abuse made me stronger says former Gunner | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka, once the captain of Arsenal, has revealed that the intense criticism he faced from the club’s fans during his time in north London helped shape him into a stronger player and leader.

In a recent documentary broadcast by Prime titled A Dream Comes True, Xhaka, now thriving at Bayer Leverkusen, reflected on the infamous moment in 2019 when he was booed off the pitch by his own supporters during a match against Crystal Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Granit Xhaka of Arsenal leaves the pitch after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2019, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

The Swiss international described the episode as a low point in his career. “I was lucky to have been whistled out in 2019,” Xhaka said in the documentary. “As captain of Arsenal. Before 60,000 people.”

That moment saw Xhaka visibly frustrated, reacting to the jeers by cupping his hands to his ears in response to the boos, before angrily removing his shirt and storming off the pitch. It was an incident that deeply affected his relationship with Arsenal fans and led to his removal as club captain shortly after.

Despite the emotional toll, Xhaka now reflects on that period as a turning point in his career. “I say lucky, because it made me brutally strong,” he explained. The backlash from the fans, he notes, not only tested his mental fortitude but also allowed him to grow, both as a player and as a person.

TOPSHOT – Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka and Arsenal’s Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (R) celebrates their team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)

“I am grateful to have come out of it, because it was a black day for my family—my wife, my parents. I think it was even harder for her than for me,” Xhaka admitted, referencing the personal toll the abuse had on those closest to him.

While many thought his relationship with the club and the fans would never recover, Xhaka eventually won back support at Arsenal through his professionalism and consistent performances.

However, in 2023, after seven years at Arsenal, Xhaka decided it was time for a fresh start.

The move to Bayer Leverkusen

BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 25: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen lifts the DFB-Pokal Trophy after his team’s victory in the DFB Cup 2023/24 final match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Olympiastadion on May 25, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Xhaka’s decision to leave Arsenal and join Bayer Leverkusen came after meetings with the club’s bosses and coach Xabi Alonso.

These talks, crucial in shaping his future, involved not just Xhaka but also his family. “My wife was there for the first time during a conversation. I wanted to know what she was feeling,” Xhaka recalls.

It was a pivotal moment, and the support from his family was instrumental in making the move to Germany.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring the 2-0 goal with his team-mates during the German first division Bundesliga football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Werder Bremen in Leverkusen, western Germany, on April 14, 2024. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

“For me, this was pure relief. I said: Yes! Not only I have the good feeling, but also the family,” Xhaka reflected, emphasising the importance of his wife and father’s input in his decision.

His move to Bayer Leverkusen proved to be a masterstroke, with Xhaka playing a crucial role in leading the team to a domestic double in his first season, winning the league unbeaten.

Under Alonso’s guidance, he flourished as a leader once again, putting the tumultuous Arsenal chapter behind him although a nod must go to Mikel Arteta, who laid the groundwork.

Redemption at Bayer Leverkusen

BERLIN, GERMANY – MAY 25: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates with the DFB-Pokal Trophy after his team’s victory in the DFB Cup 2023/24 final match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Olympiastadion on May 25, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen was more than just a fresh start; it was an opportunity for redemption and a chance to rebuild his career away from the pressures of the Premier League.

Now at the heart of a successful Leverkusen side, Xhaka’s resilience is paying off. He has become a key figure in the squad, guiding the team to success with his experience and leadership.