Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has poured cold water on suggestions his exit was related to his wife being unhappy in England.
Xhaka has completed a move to Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around £21.5m. The former club captain leaves Arsenal after seven years, having made more than 200 Premier League appearances for the Gunners.
The move to Leverkusen will allow the Swiss international to test himself in the Bundesliga for a second time, having previously spent four seasons with Borussia Monchengladbach. Speaking to Swiss media, the 30-year-old insisted it was the new challenge, rather than any family input, which prompted his decision.
“There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true," Xhaka told Keystone-SDA (via Sport Witness). "The fact is that as a person I am always interested in new challenges.
“After seven years, the time has come for something completely new. The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes [sporting director] and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me.”
Xhaka also spoke highly of Mikel Arteta, describing the Spaniard as "A coach I respect immensely". Xhaka was close to leaving Arsenal after a tough time under Unai Emery, but Arteta convinced him to stay for an extra couple of years.
"[He's] a coach who understands an incredible amount of football. Someone who sees football with completely different eyes," Xhaka added. "I had a great relationship with him. Thanks in part to him, we achieved what was missing for years: the Champions League."
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Arteta himself has shared a message of support for Xhaka, who leaves Arsenal after helping them finish second in the Premier League last term. He played 47 games in all competitions, scoring a career-best seven goals after being pushed further forward by the manager.
“We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us," Arteta said. "It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his teammates on the pitch and colleagues at the club will tell you just how popular he is.
“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”
Sporting director Edu also thanked the midfielder. “Granit has been a big part of our club for a long time," the Brazilian said.
"He has given us great commitment and quality over the years, playing such an important role in our progression and success. He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future.”
