Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has given an explanation of why he gestured towards fans and swore at them, after he was jeered as he was substituted during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.
In a statement, Xhaka wrote: "After taking some time to reflect on what happened on Sunday afternoon, I would like to give you an explanation rather than just a quick response.
"The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and always give 100% on and off the pitch.
"My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months have me deeply.
"People have said things like "We will break your legs", "Kill your wife" and "Wish that your daughter gets cancer".
"That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday.
"In this situation, I let myself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support our club, our team and myself with positive energy.
"That has not been my intention and I'm sorry if that's what people thought.
"My wish is that we get back to a place of mutual respect, remembering why we fell in love with this game in the first place.
"Let's move forward positively together."
Arsenal return to action against Wolves on Saturday although it remains unclear if Xhaka will be involved.
Nacadklmu
2674
Written by emery and singed by granite xhaka
Nadclmprtz
611
We are tired of seeing our best players leave every season and hope to finish in the top four. Top clubs don't sell their star players and for arsenal to be the academy of Europe is an insult to we the arsenal fans. Arsenal suporse to be a big club, in reality we do not have the right person to take us forward. Emery isn't a top coach, I don't care how many europa he won, he has demonstrated complexity at PSG thereby exposing his weakness. Emery cannot manage big players and big players is what you need to win big prizes. He is dictated by the English media. Look at his treatment of mesut ozil. When a player is from injury, sometimes they will need time to blend in, perhaps is the arsenal hierarchy who think that what they paying him is too much and the media keep reminding us how much he is on. Every article they write on ozil they will put in how much he earns as if he is the highest paid in the world of football. Arsenal should stop selling players and budgets enough money to buy
zimbmrstuz
561
What he did was wrong but he did it cause of defense. If you poured your heart out for a team and you get booed by your fans, I would have done the same thing .Some arsenal fans are one of the worst fans ever because they are never satisfied with anything. If a guy goes on a three game goal drought, he is automatically the worst player in some of their eyes. Even if a manager goes two games without winning, they think like he should be sacked like what logic is that. Everyone in football/ soccer should be respected by everyone. Xhaka should be receiving the apology, not giving it.
Akechandy
535
Now I understand why you really reached the BOILING POINT, seriously we are all humans and if some fans reached that line of your family....i would like to say ๐๐๐ we misjudged Wenger and I don't wish the same issue to happen again.. LET'S LOOK FORWARD TOGETHER.
Desmondeyum
521
On reflection, I donโt blame Xhaka one bit. We all got him and it wrong. Fans need to do better for their own.
Desmondeyum
513
This is awful and should not be tolerated on any shape or form and i can sympathise with getting angry taunts and abuse can be hurtful be even more so when directed at ones family . Keep the faith granit xhaka Iโm sure true arsenal fans are ๐ฏ behind you
Desmondeyum
495
I like this statement alot fans need to take responsibility for their own actions because alot of it is disgusting .. maybe some time off will help granit xhaka come back stronger
Desmondeyum
438
Xhaka has apologized, it's now the turn of Arsenal fans
Desmondeyum
426
Xhaka should win FIFA fair play award
Dwise
338
What about Emery's apology for getting bad results so far ๐คท๐พโโ๏ธ
Adobelive
160
Written by emery and singed by granite xhaka
Arsenal fans are disgusting . Look what they said and did and expwct him not to react . If you dont accept his apology the fuck off ypu dont deserve it . They should apologise too . Especailly since they abused Aubameyang as well when he is the only reason why they have top 4 hopes!
SuperStores
133
Xhaka, screw all these guys that do not appreciate your efforts. As far as I am concerned, because I played football when I was a kid and thoroughly enjoyed the game. I watch soccer with unbiased opinion. I understand the supporters giving you grief because our team is not performing to our best and unfortunately we wish our position could be better than where we are right now. They will always look for a scapegoat and unluckily for you, they continue to pick on you. My advice to you is that, from this moment onwards, give your best on the pitch, make less stupid mistakes like putting unnecessary pressure on your teammates with silly tackles that cause free kicks and penalties in our box. Use your head, since you are the captain, develop a right attitude, forget about the fans and do your job. Let your game speak for you. Concentrate on the game because you tend to lose focus and mostly distracted and not watching who you are supposed to mark during games. I know you are a great player because I watch you play for your national team and you always perform. Please bring that level of discipline into our team and make us happy. I promise you that the fans who continue to boo you will change their attitude towards you pretty soon. Alright? Good luck to yโall and wishing you a very successful season as you trudge along. COYGS!!!
Rhapsodyboy
121
Xhaka is also human, He makes mistakes too.. He apologized, not his fault in that burst up... Arsenal fans are so ungrateful and unanimous... They can't even show some support or sympathy to someone who gives his all for the club despite his errors and faults.. ๐๐