Granit Xhaka left Arsenal and completed a switch to Bayer Leverkusen in the last window.
The Gunners took the midfielder from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2016 and he returned to Germany to join Xabi Alonso’s side.
Neue Zürcher Zeitung interviewed the 31-year-old, and he talked about his decision to leave Arsenal. His comments are relayed by Fussball Transfers.
The Switzerland international joined the Bundesliga side in July and back then, there were suggestions he left Mikel Arteta’s side because his wife was unhappy in London.
Responding to these claims, he said: “It was sometimes written that I was coming back to Germany because of my wife. That’s not the truth. Like me, she was very happy in London.”
The player has also revealed he wanted a move away from the Emirates after spending seven years at the north London club, and believes his experience could help Leverkusen.
“I didn’t come to Leverkusen as a boss… but because I was looking for a new challenge. I felt like my time at Arsenal was over after seven years in London. I came here as an experienced player and person. My teammates see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That’s part of my role here,” Xhaka explained.
Xhaka has further stated that sporting and personal reasons had made it relatively easier for him to decide to leave Arsenal for the Bundesliga side.
“I made the decision solely as a footballer and athlete. I came to a top club in Germany that has a plan and wants to achieve something. Of course, the change was easier for us because we used to live in Düsseldorf, and Mönchengladbach is nearby, where my wife grew up,” the former Arsenal man added.
Xhaka has made eight appearances this season for Alonso’s side, registering an assist in the process.
