Granit Xhaka explains how close he came to leaving Arsenal, and why he stayed put

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Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has detailed just how close he came to leaving the club earlier this year.

The Switzerland international appeared to have no future with the Gunners, after being stripped of the captaincy by previous manager Unai Emery over an incident at Crystal Palace.

The £35 million signing from Borussia Monchengladbach (BBC Sport) was jeered by some Arsenal fans as he was substituted against the Eagles, and the player reacted by cupping his ears and swearing back.

That would have finished a lot of players, but Xhaka has been able to turn things around in impressive fashion.

The player was definitely close to leaving though (his agent said he wanted to join Hertha Berlin, via Independent), and Xhaka has now explained why he didn’t depart.

He told Neue Zurcher Zeitung (quoted by Daily Cannon): “I didn’t go to training for two days, worrying about what all had happened.

“With my heart I had already left the club. The fact that I am still there today is thanks to coach Mikel Arteta.

“First, he wanted an explanation from me of what I felt, why I had acted like that. I could tell him my motives, let out what was on my mind.”

TBR’s View – Xhaka deserves props

Xhaka’s turnaround has been impressive, if not surprising.

Such behaviour would have meant the end for so many other players, but Xhaka has worked hard to restore his reputation.

The arrival of Arteta evidently saved his bacon, but he does deserve credit for his response and improving his game under the new coach.