When players leave a club after playing for them so much, they usually feel unhappy after the departure. They feel a bond with the club and it’s fans after having been through so much together.
But Arsenal fans will be surprised and angry to learn that one of their long-time players was happy to leave them. The club had to let go of several stars this summer to accommodate the new signings. And it seems one of them was not really sad about going.
Granit Xhaka admits crying for joy after summer move
That player is none other than Granit Xhaka, who was once the club’s captain as well and played for seven years there. He had left this summer for €15 million to German club Bayer Leverkusen. He has been crucial for Xabi Alonso’s side, as the club is now at the top of the Bundesliga table.
But it seems that the player has no love for his former employer, Arsenal. In a recent interview he gave to ‘The Werkself Friend Book’, he was asked if he has ever cried tears of joy.
The midfielder replied that he had and it was when he left Arsenal, “Absolutely. I’m a very emotional person, I like to cry and I’m not ashamed of it. Of course, I also cried for joy at times. For example, when I made my transfer here to Leverkusen. Of course I also cried tears of joy because I really wanted to go back. I think it’s also part of it as a person.”
Xhaka had previously lost the captainship after falling out with the club’s loyal fanbase. He was subject to much criticism during his time there. But last season, he somewhat had a redemption arc as he helped the team in their title charge. Manager Mikel Arteta was a big reason for his renewed performances. And now the Swiss midfielder’s recent comments may have destroyed that relationship with the North London club’s fans again.
Newcastle handed Arsenal their first league defeat
Arsenal had been doing quite well this season, even beating Manchester City in a statement win. They were going unbeaten in the Premier League for the first 10 games, facing some good teams as well. It seemed like they were attempting another title charge like last season.
But a controversial loss to Newcastle away on Saturday ended their unbeaten run in the league. The only goal in the match was scored by Anthony Gordon, but many believe that the goal should have been ruled out for three different reasons. The grounds for voiding the goal were an offside call, a foul call, and a ball out of play call. But despite the use of VAR, nothing happened and the goal stood. Mikel Arteta was furious after the game, and demanded change in the officiating.
Arsenal will have to postpone their title charge for now, as they have to face Sevilla in the Champions League tonight.
