Granit Xhaka is enjoying an impressive spell with Bayer Leverkusen so far (Picture: Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka says he ‘cried tears of joy’ when he left Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen over the summer, such was his desire to return to Germany.
The Switzerland international spent seven eventful seasons with the Gunners, winning two FA Cups and earning the captaincy. He lost the armband and his place in the team after disciplinary issues and falling out with the club’s fans but amazingly returned to prominence.
Xhaka was a huge part of Arsenal’s title challenge last season, which saw them ultimately fall short, but he was very much back in the club’s good books after an impressive campaign.
Nonetheless, he left in the summer, signing for Leverkusen for around £20m as he wanted to be back in Germany, having left Borussia Monchengladbach for Arsenal seven years ago.
The 31-year-old says he was so happy to leave that he cried tears of joy, telling Leverkusen’s club channel The Werkself Friend Book: ‘I’m a very emotional person, I like to cry and I’m not ashamed of it.
‘Of course, I also cried for joy at times. For example, when I made my transfer here to Leverkusen.
‘I also cried tears of joy because I really wanted to go back. I think it’s also part of it as a person.’
Xhaka’s return to Germany is going very well so far, having played in all 10 of Bayer Leverkusen’s 10 Bundesliga matches as they sit top of the table, two points clear of Bayern Munich.
Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said of Xhaka: ‘I’m very satisfied with his performances.
‘He is an exceptional player, he keeps the pace for our team and has an indisputable personality in the team, on and off the field. He always goes ahead with the character he has. We are very happy.’
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He had a tumultuous time at the Emirates.