Sharing with NZZ am Sonntag, the Swiss midfielder revealed the reasons behind his decision to part with the Gunners.

Granit Xhaka is one of Bayer Leverkusen’s notable signings in the summer of 2023. The Swiss midfielder joined the German team from Arsenal with a contract worth 21.5 million pounds. Besides Xhaka, Leverkusen has recruited other notable signatures: Grimaldo, Jonas Hofmann, and Victor Boniface.

Xhaka’s talent and experience playing top football bring a necessary addition to Xabi Alonso’s army. Sharing with NZZ am Sonntag, Xhaka clearly stated the reason for leaving Arsenal :

” I came to Leverkusen with the desire to find a new challenge. My time at Arsenal ended after 7 years. Many reports said that I came to Germany because of my wife. That is not true. She is very happy. happy to live in London”.

” I made the decision as a football player, an athlete. I joined a top German team, with clear plans and goals.”

This season, Leverkusen is No. 1 in the Bundesliga rankings after 6 rounds. Alonso’s team is two points better than defending champion Bayern Munich. Leverkusen had 5 wins, 1 draw, and collected 16 points.

Granit Xhaka had a 2022/23 season that could be considered the best of his career at Arsenal. The Swiss player was freed by Mikel Arteta from his role as an anchor midfielder which allowed him to participate more in building play.

It was that adjustment that helped Xhaka reach his full potential. The 31-year-old star is one of the important factors helping Arsenal win the Champions League spot while also threatening Man City’s throne.

“Here there is no chaos, the clubs are more focused. At Arsenal, the pressure is very different. But we have big ambitions because we have a squad rich in potential.”

Xhaka is being used in his new team. He started every match and helped Leverkusen have a desirable start in the Bundesliga with 5 wins and 1 draw, thereby leading the championship race.