Granit Xhaka tells Arsenal keyboard warriors to ‘tell me I’m s*** to my face’ after infamous ‘f*** off’ row of 2019
GRANIT XHAKA has challenged his detractors to criticise him to his face rather than hiding behind keyboards.
The Swiss midfielder has had a volatile relationship with some sections of the Arsenal fanbase since signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.
Some Gunners fans feel he has not been consistently good enough in the heart of their midfield, while others say his hot-headed temperament has occasionally cost the team.
The uneasy dynamic came to a head in 2019 when Xhaka was substituted in a draw against Crystal Palace.
Fans booed him as he left the pitch and he responded by clapping sarcastically, cupping his ear and mouthing the words ‘f*** off’.
Xhaka who was stripped of the Gunners’ captaincy by former boss Unai Emery after that incident, has also been heavily criticised on social media in the wake of poor results.
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Now the 100-cap Switzerland star has told the The Players’ Tribune why he thinks he has been unfairly treated.
Xhaka, 29, said: “Of course, it’s quiet when we win, but as soon as we lose a few games the same critics will be back.
“This is how football works, but I will not change for some guy who is hiding behind a keyboard. No chance.
“It’s a bit funny because in real life nobody has ever said to me, ‘You are s***.’ Never.
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“Nobody says it to my face. What do they say? The usual, ‘Ah, you are the best, you’re so good….’.
“Some people mean it but others then go online and say, ‘Get him out of our club.’ So, next time say it to my face. ‘Granit, today you were s***.’ No problem!
“I promise, I will take that in a positive way. I respect an honest opinion, but I have no time for lies.”