Granit Xhaka posts on Instagram after captaining Switzerland, Gabriel responds

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Granit Xhaka took to Instagram after captaining Switzerland last night.

The 28-year-old led out his country in a friendly match against Croatia last night and played a full 90 minutes at the AFG Arena.

Switzerland lost 2-1, with Josip Brekalo and Mario Pasalic cancelling out Mario Gavranovic’s opener.

Wearing the armband for his country is something Xhaka does regularly, unlike at Arsenal.

The star was stripped of the captaincy b y previos manager Unai Emery after his poor reaction to being booed whilst being substituted against Crystal Palace last year.

Xhaka has enjoyed an amazing turnaround since that incident though, and has become key for Mikel Arteta.

Last weekend, Xhaka actually took on the Arsenal armband when Aubameyang was taken off against Sheffield United, signalling all has been forgotten.

Xhaka – who cost Arsenal a reported £35 million (BBC Sport) – is certainly respected by his teammates, with new signing Gabriel responding to the player’s Instagram post, with ‘My captain’.

It is clear the former Borussia Monchengladbach maestro is still a very popular figure in the Arsenal dressing room, and Gabriel’s comment speaks volumes about how well liked he is.

The Brazilian has only been at the club for a couple of months, and the fact he can write such comment surely emphasises leadership qualities.