Six years after signing and three years after his jaw-dropping, foul-mouthed outburst at the supporters, Granit Xhaka is ready to put the past behind him as he takes on a new role at Arsenal.
The Switzerland international is such a curious case to analyse. Undoubtedly flawed, but the Gunners are undeniably better whenever he is in the team. Xhaka so often dictates the tempo at which Arsenal operate, which means any time he is not at the top of his game the entire side suffers.
As a result of this, there have been times when Xhaka has been the subject of intense criticism from fans and pundits alike. Things came to a head in November 2019 when the midfielder swore at supporters and threw his shirt to the floor after being jeered as he was substituted.
The sorry situation saw Xhaka stripped of the captain's armband and led to a complete breakdown in his relationship with the fanbase. The player said so himself, as he explained in The Players Tribune.
"That day against Crystal Palace, things went over the line. We had been 2–0 up, they made it 2–2, and then I was taken off after about an hour. I had barely begun to move when I heard the boos. And it was not just a few guys in the corner - it was a lot of people.
"Yes, I was the Arsenal captain. But I am also a human being. So as a human being, hurt, I reacted. I talked back, I cupped an ear, and when I got off the pitch I threw my shirt on the ground and went down the tunnel. Was I wrong to do what I did? Yes.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Xhaka still an important player to this Arsenal side? Comment below
He added: "When I close my eyes now, I can still see their faces. I can see their anger. It's not that they don't like me. No, it's different. This is hate. Pure hate. I am really not exaggerating this. That day, I felt very disrespected. The comments were over the line. It felt personal."
Three years later, Xhaka may pluck up the courage to look those same detractors in the eyes as he has been handed a new role as a deputy leader to current skipper Martin Odegaard, as per The Athletic.
While it will be the Norway international that dons the armband, Xhaka's leadership qualities are being recognised by his manager and teammates.
This is something that can only be a positive for a player who has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate his reputation in the eyes of the Arsenal faithful. Since the incident in 2019, there have been times where Xhaka has worn the armband - usually due to whoever was originally wearing it being replaced.
In the beginning, it looked like an uncomfortable fit for the 29-year-old. As time has gone on and the dust settles on that infamous dispute, both Xhaka and the fans seem more willing to accept he still has plenty to offer this Arsenal side.
Contemplating the idea of donning the armband again, something he is likely to do if Odegaard is ever injured, Xhaka told Sky Sports: "I will never say never. I was not ready for that again [on a permanent basis].
"A captain of Arsenal can be without an armband, and I am trying to lead the game and the players without the armband, but if tomorrow someone from the football club comes and asks if I want to take it I will be here because I know I am ready again to do it."
Arsenal have enjoyed a positive start to the new season and Xhaka has even managed to get himself on the scoresheet with a strike against Leicester City.
It's vital both Xhaka and the fans enjoy this good feeling but keep their heads when tougher times inevitably appear at some stage this season, they have proven they are both better off when working together.
