Player reveals he ‘cried for joy’ after sealing Arsenal exit – Really wanted transfer

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka has revealed he “cried for joy” after sealing his move to the club from Arsenal in the summer.

The Swiss midfielder has been speaking to Leverkusen’s own TV show “The Werkself Friend Book”, with his comments relayed by BILD.

He joined the German side in a €15m deal from Arsenal in the summer, bringing an end to a seven year stay at the Emirates.

Xhaka had joined from Borussia Monchengladbach in a €45m deal in 2016 to much acclaim but often found himself as the target for criticism during his time at the club.

That led to a very public falling out with the Arsenal fanbase before redemption under Mikel Arteta, playing a key role under the Spaniard as the Gunners competed for the title last season.

That falling out is very much now in the past because of that redemptive arc but it seems Xhaka was still delighted to get his move and secure a return to Germany.

“Absolutely. I’m a very emotional person, I like to cry and I’m not ashamed of it,” he revealed to the show.

“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.”