Granit Xhaka admits he feels 'proud' to hear Jose Mourinho's positive feedback about him amid a potential Roma transfer - as the iconic Portuguese boss 'knows how to win titles'.
The Arsenal midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian capital this summer, with reports saying Roma have opened talks with the 28-year-old over a potential summer move before the European Championships kick off.
While Xhaka claims he is totally focused on the summer international tournament with Switzerland, who he captains, the midfielder admits he has read about Roma's rumoured interest in him.
The Arsenal man told Blick: 'Of course I read (about the interest). But now I'm 100 per cent focused on the national team here. That's more important than Arsenal or rumours right now.
'I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I'll be here.'
Reports claim Xhaka, who enjoys a mixed relationship with Gunners supporters, wants to leave Arsenal this summer after the north Londoners failed to qualify for European football for the first time in 25 years.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal finished in eighth-place once again in the Premier League table and failed to win the Europa League, FA Cup or Carabao Cup.
Roma boss Mourinho, who signed with the Giallorossi earlier this month shortly after being sacked by Tottenham, was full or praise for the Swiss midfielder when discussing him back in 2019.
The Portuguese manager told reporters that year: 'Xhaka is the main man in the entire Arsenal midfield, you can't see it unless I lend you one of my eyes.
'Without him, Arsenal is lost. He is a leader. Remember, mistakes are made by humans.'
Xhaka admits he is not aware of these comments by Mourinho - but says he enjoys hearing praise like this from such a respected figure in the game.
The midfielder added: 'To be honest, I didn't hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud.
'Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles. You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.'