Arsenal

Granit Xhaka: 'I will not be best friends with Arsenal fans'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 28 December 2021

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka claims that he will not be "best friends" with Gunners fans after his infamous outburst towards the crowd two years ago.

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has claimed that he will never be 'best friends' with the Emirates fanbase.

The 29-year-old was memorably jeered by a section of Arsenal supporters as he was substituted against Crystal Palace in October 2019, and he responded by gesturing and swearing to the crowd before storming down the tunnel.

Xhaka continues to divide opinion among Arsenal fans, but he has won the trust of Mikel Arteta and believes that his relationship with Gooners is slowly improving.

Speaking to The Athletic, Xhaka said: "After what happened two years ago we were very far from each other. I think we are step by step coming closer and closer.

"I don't believe we will be best friends. But what I can tell people is from the first day until the last day I am here I will do everything for the football club.

"I will make mistakes because everyone does. We are not perfect. But I will give 100 per cent in every training session and every game. This is my message to the fans.

"Sometimes you have misunderstandings and I believe this was the only reason for the problem we had between us. I feel much more love than one or two years ago but it is a slow process we have to do with each other."

Xhaka has also hit out at his perceived unfair treatment over red cards, claiming that other players in his position would not always be sent off for heavy tackles.