Granit Xhaka breaks his silence ahead of expected Arsenal exit and Euro 2020



Granit Xhaka has broken his silence ahead of his expected move to AS Roma this summer.

football.london understands Xhaka has agreed a five-year deal with Roma to link up with Jose Mourinho after Arsenal sanctioned a deal worth between £15.4million and £17.2m with the Italian club.

The deal is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected to be ratified soon enough with Xhaka looking to focus on this summer’s Euro 2020 campaign with Switzerland, kicking off against Wales on Saturday in Baku.

But ahead of the transfer being completed, Xhaka has been reflecting on what looks to be his final season with Arsenal during an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick.

Asked about his season, when he did enjoy good form despite Arsenal’s struggles, he said: “Football is a team sport and you’re only as good as your team.

“Of course it was a good year for me personally, I’ve always played and performed, but the place at the end of the season is of course really bitter and disappointing for us.”

Speaking about the challenges of the campaign, he added: “There were certainly a number of issues that didn’t go optimally. But there is now no point in looking back.”

Xhaka began his career in his home country with FC Basel, and his brother Taulant, who actually represents Albania at international level, is still at the club, serving as vice-captain.

Do you want all the latest news from around Arsenal Football Club straight to your email inbox?

Of course you do.

By signing up for our Arsenal newsletter, you will receive a twice-daily email, focused on all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.

And, not only that, but you will get exclusive content from our club writers Chris Wheatley and Kaya Kaynak before anyone else.

You won’t miss a thing when it comes to the Gunners.

How do you sign up?

It’s easy and only takes seconds.

Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article – or any article on the Arsenal section of football.london in fact – labelled ‘Get the biggest daily stories by email’ and click ‘Subscribe’.

Alternatively, you can click here and tick the Arsenal box to subscribe for our Gunners newsletter.

If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters – but we don’t think you’ll want to.

One day, Arsenal’s Xhaka is hoping to team up with his brother back at his old club, adding: “Yeah, it’s amazing how time flies. I’m almost 29 now (laughs). But I still feel young, still fit and hungry, and want to keep playing football at the highest level.

“And it is certainly a dream for Tauli and me to play together again at FC Basel – even if it is only for a minute or a game. But I’d love to win another title with FCB.”





Source link