Granit Xhaka has revealed how Mikel Arteta was integral in transforming his morale as a player following his endurance of a torrid time under Arteta’s predecessor in Unai Emery.
Xhaka was refreshingly honest over his mindset during Emery’s reign, admitting that his ‘heart was gone’ as the midfielder fell out of love with Arsenal.
However, Arteta played a pivotal role in re-integrating the 28-year-old into life at the Emirates Stadium and helping him to rediscover his motivation to play at his best for the Gunners. He had previously fallen out with the club and was set to move to Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga, but that transfer did not materialise.
He was infamously booed off by his own fans following his substitution in a draw against Crystal Palace last season. He was subsequently stripped of his captaincy and frozen out by Emery for a period.
Xhaka was open about the turbulent and emotional period as he spoke to Swiss outlet NZZ am Sonntag [via The Mirror], saying:
“I was completely surprised by this. I am a person, I have emotions, things hurt me too.
“The disparaging gesture in the direction of the fans that I made back then might not be done today.
“I didn’t go to training for two days, wondering what happened in the first place. My heart was already gone from the club.
“The fact that I’m still there today is thanks to coach Mikel Arteta.
“He first wanted me to explain how I feel and why I had acted this way… I was able to describe my motives to him and let out what was on my mind.”
He has since found his way back into the Arsenal limelight as he has started in five of eight league games for the Gunners this season.
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Whilst it is regrettable that Xhaka had a much-publicised falling out at the club, his openness to rekindling his love for Arsenal is inspiring.
Give all credit to Arteta; his man-management abilities have clearly played a big part in bringing Xhaka in from the cold.
