Granit Xhaka's message to Arsenal during title celebrations speaks volumes

View 2 Images

Granit Xhaka has paid tribute to his former club Arsenal following their Premier League title win. The Gunners have secured the title after Manchester City's stalemate with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday evening.

As the final whistle sounded on the south coast, the Sunderland midfielder posted an image of himself alongside Mikel Arteta from their days together at the Emirates Stadium.

Xhaka, who spent seven years at Arsenal , lifting two FA Cups and two Community Shields, credited the title success to the Spaniard's dedication.

On his Instagram story, the Switzerland international said: "A special team, great players, and a club that never stopped believing but this is all because of you, Mikel. To everyone who doubted you, give this man and this coach the respect he deserves. Congratulations to the whole @arsenal family."

Xhaka faced some criticism throughout his stint in the Premier League , though he left on a positive note. During his final campaign, the Swiss midfielder was instrumental as Arsenal launched their first genuine title bid under Arteta.

Despite his efforts, Xhaka fell just short of guiding the Gunners to silverware, with Manchester City retaining their status as English champions for a third consecutive season. In an interview with German publication NZZ am Sonntag, he revealed precisely why he opted to sign for Bayer Leverkusen when he did.

The former Arsenal captain said: "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 for me after seven years in London.

"I came here as an experienced player and person. The other players see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That's part of my role here.

View 2 Images

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

"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. 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, like me, we used to live in Düsseldorf and it is close to Monchengladbach, where my wife grew up."

When quizzed on the contrasts between Arsenal and Leverkusen, Xhaka responded: "You can only see what it’s really like if you can train here every day and be there.

"You can work in peace at Bayer Leverkusen, there is no chaos, other clubs are more in focus. This is an advantage. At Arsenal, the pressure is different.

"But we have high ambitions because we know that we have enormous potential in the team. If we keep working like this and keep our feet on the ground, we can achieve something."

The 33-year-old spent two years at Leverkusen, playing a key role as Xabi Alonso guided the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga triumph. Last summer, Xhaka made his return to English football, helping Sunderland avoid relegation back to the Championship.