PERHAPS a few home truths have caused Arsenal fans to viciously turn on Granit Xhaka.
The former Gunners captain left the Emirates for Bayer Leverkusen last summer – despite an impressive final campaign under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal fans were sorry to see Xhaka go – but the midfielder’s contract was due to expire the following summer.
Gunners chiefs, therefore, ensured they’d prevent the Swiss international from leaving as a free agent and sold him for £21.5m.
But Xhaka took the opportunity by the scruff of the neck and played a huge part in Leverkusen lifting their first-ever Bundesliga title – which stopped the 11-year reign of Bayern Munich.
As such the Swiss captain told German publication Bild: “The move from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen was not a step back.
“But rather two steps forward. We have to do better than last season now.”
To the surprise of many, Xhaka emerged as the beating heart of Xavi Alonso’s iconic ‘Invincibles’ team.
The 31-year-old started 32 out of 34 league fixtures, missing one through suspension and the other on the final day after the title was long sealed.
They had to settle for runners up in the Europa League following a 3-0 smashing from Atalanta, but won the German Cup after finishing 17 points above Thomas Tuchel‘s Munich.
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Meanwhile, Arsenal went trophy-less last season, after finishing two points behind Premier League champions Manchester City.
During their title quest, the Gunners fell victim to an early exit in the FA Cup to Liverpool at the Emirates, after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 defeat to West Ham in November.
And fans have been left reeling with Xhaka’s scathing comments.
Immediately taking to X, one Arsenal supporter wrote: “No way he’s cooking us lowkey here.”
A second wrote: “HE COOKED ARSENAL!!!
”
A third chimed in: “Playing in a farmers league is not a step forward.”
While an opposing fan declared: “The words of a free man.”
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