Granit Xhaka has hinted that he wants to stay at Arsenal this summer, despite continued interest from Roma.
The Italian side tried to sign Xhaka last year, but were unable to agree a fee. He ended up penning fresh terms at Arsenal instead and has been a regular under Mikel Arteta this season.
Xhaka has rebuilt his Gunners career since falling out with fans during a match against Crystal Palace in 2019 and has hinted he wants to stay beyond this summer, when Jose Mourinho’s Roma are expected to make a fresh bid.
“Arsenal is still in my heart, 100%,” Xhaka exclusively told The Players’ Tribune.
“My challenge was never to change people’s opinions about me, but to help the team. And then after that, if someone did change their mind because of that, then great.
“I understand that we will never be best friends, but I hope we can treat each other with honesty and respect.
“I want you to know that whatever I do on the pitch, it comes from the right place.
“If I am late in a tackle, it’s because I’m fighting for Arsenal. If I lose my temper, it’s because I care.
“Sometimes, maybe I care too much. Obviously you can never predict the future in football, but I do know a few things. After this season, I have two years left of my contract.
“I still love this club. I believe Mikel is building a great team. And I want to achieve something special here.”
