Patrick Vieira says Granit Xhaka deserves respect despite recent captain controversy

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Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira has defended Granit Xhaka despite the fact he was recently stripped of the armband by Unai Emery.

As per Sky Sports, Vieira has made it clear he’s a fan of Xhaka as a player, stating that he deserves respect and will get through the period of turbulence.

He said: “I feel sorry for him because he’s going through a really difficult period. We have to rmind ourselves that he’s achieved a lot since he’s at Arsenal and he deserves a lot of respect.

“I find it really difficult a lot of ex-footballers have jumped on him and being really negative towards him – it’s too easy. I know how good he is and he will come through this difficult period because he’s a strong man, he’s a good player. And he will show how good he is.”

TBR’s View – Vieira’s defence of Xhaka is unexpectedly passionate but he knows what being Arsenal captain is like

Xhaka’s behaviour wasn’t befitting of an Arsenal captain but somebody who knows an awful lot about doing that role believes he deserves respect and forgiveness.

Perhaps there’s a lesson in there for Arsenal fans, but similarly Vieira wading in may simply remind them of the quality of player they once had leading them out compared to what they have now.