Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has admitted that being booed off by his own fans in 2019 'game me even more strength' and the chance to 'show my personality'.
The Switzerland international says the discord stemmed from 'a misunderstanding between the fans and me'.
In a match against Crystal Palace in 2019, Xhaka threw off his armband in response to jeers from the crowd and was subsequently stripped off the captaincy and exiled from the matchday squad.
Four years later, he has left to join Bayer Leverkusen for £21.5m after rebuilding his reputation to become a popular and admired player at the Emirates.
Speaking with Blick, he said: 'I was Arsenal captain in 2019. Then came this story with the fans. I never had any problems with the boys and the club.
'It was more a misunderstanding between the fans and me. Coming back to Arsenal like that afterwards gave me even more strength.
'I was able to show what personality is in me. I don't like talking about myself. But you can also praise yourself if the journalists don’t praise you that much. Seriously, you learn from things like that.
'You get stronger. At the end I was allowed to leave to great applause. That was my number one goal. Am I a ready leader? I would not say that. I'm sure I'll still make mistakes, that's part of it. But certainly, less than before.'
Across six season in north London, the midfielder managed to make 297 appearances, proving his consistent worth to the team even when relations were strained.
After winning a vote among players to be captain for the 2019/20 season, lots of fans went into meltdown and could not believe he was the captain of their club, seen as a loose cannon.
Over time, he was converted that loose cannon image into one of a lovable rogue, somebody who will commit everything for the badge, and he left the Gunners with his head held high.
capcenrs
1
Thanks Granit Xhaka we will remember you
Achort Okon
0
Xhaka during his stay in Arsenal team was a fighter and defender of young players. He will not allow other teams or player to intimidate the players in his team. Xhaka was the Steel in Arsenal team. i will miss him much
wihlmnoy
0
Maybe you should say that to the world 🌎 Maybe now you’ll get more strength everyday from being booed … let’s see if it won’t mess your mental health Find will help you with more strength then .. let’s go booing xhaka
Layabors
0
I only watch Arsenal because of the way Chaka played midfield he was really brilliant and he never accepted defeat
Now watch because of Saka.
gunnerfc
1
This guy switches his mouth fast, the guy said he wanted to quit and Arteta talked him out of it. How booing gave you strength?, you threw the captain armband down on the ground and made a cussing gesture to the fans when walking off. You had a good season and served the club but dont cover yourself in glory you were hot headed and rash at times when leadership and calmness was called for. We will always support you as you were one of ours but dont try to pull the wool over are eyes.
moswanted
0
arsenal fans hmm how can u booed this guy
Aleksy_VanOostrum
4
I loved Arsenal because of Xhaka. He was the best midfielder and an Arsenal legend
Zoddkmorsz
2
arsenal fans will miss xhaka
Cruiseking
2
I only watch Arsenal because of the way Chaka played midfield he was really brilliant and he never accepted defeat
ClemJay
0
That ain't it totally. Xhaka gave up on the club and wanted to leave but how he turned back the hate of the fans towards him into extreme love is nothing short of a miracle and Arteta has to be clearly thanked for assisting him in achieving that
Keepitreal007
0
What a great player, all the best
Weemnstuz
0
Arsenal
Tameikmnuy
0
thanks xhaka, we will miss you
Weemnstuz
0
hahah
peaceofmind
2
You should have stay at least one more year...but thank you, we love you.