Granit Xhaka admits he thought about leaving Arsenal in January

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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has told Goal that he would have to think very carefully if he was ever asked to wear the captain’s armband again. He has also admitted he considered leaving the club in January.

The Swiss performer was booed from the field against Crystal Palace in October and his angry response prompted a backlash from supporters.

Xhaka has rediscovered himself somewhat under Mikel Arteta, however. Arsenal haven’t lost for 10 games in all competitions, with the maestro playing in every game.

The £100,000-a-week player has been playing pretty well under Arteta and he thinks he’s turned a corner.

He does, however, concede that he would be wary about accepting the responsibility of captain again in the future.

He told Goal: “I know with or without the armband what I can give to the team. If one day the club asks me about the armband, I have to think twice.

“I think I showed my character and I’m not a guy who runs away. I always say to the club, ‘when I am here, I am ready to give everything.’ It was like this always. I train very hard and that things turned around is the key. This has given me the most happiness.”

The 27-year-old is slowly winning supporters over and he has been pretty impressive during Arteta’s time at the club.

He did confess to Goal, however, that he had considered leaving the Emirates behind after his public spat with supporters.

Xhaka continued: “Of course I considered leaving, I won’t lie. There was a moment because it was not easy for me and my family. I hope people understand this.”

Purple patch

The best way for Xhaka to build bridges with the Arsenal faithful is to maintain his performance level.

Whilst he is playing well and the team aren’t losing then the Gunners supporters will quickly start to rate him again.

Playing for a club like Arsenal is challenging. With such a high level of expectation in place, certain players will always come under fire if results aren’t going according to plan.

Perhaps importantly for Xhaka, Arsenal’s results have picked up and he has proved a big part of the team under Arteta. The challenge now is for the 82-cap is to maintain his current form.