Every club has one player that comes under vilification despite every effort to contribute to their success. Players like this have that run against the grain of their team. Altercations have usually come about from the underappreciation of this player. Examples abound of players like this.
Under the reign of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini was a player loved by the manager, but fans were at odds with his presence in the team. What Fellaini lacks in finesse is made up for with hard work and dedication.
At the Emirates, there have been several run-ins between Granit Xhaka and the fans. Xhaka is a faithful soldier for Arsenal but possesses a tough stance not appreciated by the fans.
Xhaka - ready to leave Arsenal
Granit Xhaka was interested in joining Jose Mourinho at Roma, and Arsenal were ready to let him go. However, he received an offer for a new deal to extend his stay later that day, which he took. The new contract ensures that Xhaka remains at Arsenal till 2024.
Xhaka has made no bones about wanting to leave Arsenal. The desire to leave the club he has spent five years at is in the public domain, especially with his public spats with the fans who have found his style of play at variance with the Arsenal ethos.
Xhaka certainly has no plans of ending his career at the Gunners and has made it clear that he favours returning to his former club Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The Swiss captain still has two-and-half years to run on his current deal. He, however, hopes that when his contract is up, Borussia Mönchengladbach would be willing to take him back.
Speaking on his move to Arsenal, Xhaka told the Mit Geredet podcast that it was his dream to play in England and not for money.
Out injured and down the pecking order
Despite clouds over his Arsenal future, Xhakad the 2021/22 season with Arteta looking to make him the fulcrum of his midfield. Hed four games for the Gunners before being sidelined by a knee injury. The 29-year-old Swiss midfielder got deposed by injury, which has kept him on the sidelines since the win over North London rivals Tottenham in September.
Xhaka is expected back in action in January but will have to battle for his place with either Thomas Partey or Sambi Lokonga.
There is hope that the midfielder will be back in full training in January and back on the pitch. He will have to fight to regain a place in the team from either Thomas Partey or Sambi Lokonga.
Xhaka is looking to the future after his Arsenal career is over with Borussia Mönchengladbach, his desired destination. For now, the midfielder wants to get fit and back on the pitch.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
