Arsenal player promises he’s not leaving the Emirates until he achieves something ‘special’

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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has promised that he won’t be leaving the Gunners until he achieves something ‘special’.

The Switzerland international believes Mikel Arteta is building a successful team for the future and Xhaka wants to be a part of that.

It’s a big statement of intent from the 29-year-old and it’s the clearest indication yet that he sees his long-term future at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s number 34 has been linked with a move away from the club during his time in North London.

The former Gladbach man came close to leaving Arsenal in December 2019 after being stripped of the club captaincy.

He was the subject of Jose Mourinho’s Roma last summer, but a move to the Serie A giants didn’t materialise and he has made 19 Premier League starts this campaign.

Xhaka also signed a one-year contract extension in August which extended his deal to 2024.

Speaking to The Players’ Tribune, Xhaka said: “Obviously, I am not captain of Arsenal any longer. But I can promise you that I will still act like a captain, even without the armband.

“That is possible. I get a lot of respect from my team-mates and our staff, and I am so thankful for that. I will always help the young guys and take responsibility of our performances.

“Arsenal is still in my heart, 100 per cent. My challenge was never to change people’s opinions about me, but to help the team. And then after that, if someone did change their mind because of that, then great.

“I understand that we will never be best friends, but I hope we can treat each other with honesty and respect. I want you to know that whatever I do on the pitch, it comes from the right place.

“If I am late in tackle, it’s because I’m fighting for Arsenal. If I lose my temper, it’s because I care. Sometimes maybe I care too much.”

Despite suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats which has dented Arsenal’s Champions League hopes, Xhaka is under no illusion that the club is heading in an upward trajectory under Arteta.

Xhaka also gave a big hint on where his future lay by saying: “Obviously you can never predict the future in football, but I do know a few things.

“After this season, I have two years left of my contract. I still love this club.

“I believe Mikel is building a great team and I want to achieve something special here.”