Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has revealed the real reason why he left the club to join Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The Switzerland midfielder ended a seven-year association with the Gunners, which encompassed lows and highs during his stint.
In his final season, Xhaka became a key part of the midfield under manager Mikel Arteta in a more advanced role, helping his side to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Arsenal fans, therefore, were disappointed to see him leave - a stark contrast to under four years earlier, when they booed him off the pitch after he was substituted against Crystal Palace.The Gunners acted quickly in the transfer market to replace Xhaka with Kai Havertz, who scored his first goal for the club from the penalty spot on Saturday against Bournemouth.
Now, Xhaka has opened up on why he left the Emirates Stadium when he did - and discussed life at his new club.Speaking to NZZ Am Sonntag, Xhaka explained (quotes via Tribuna): "I felt my time at Arsenal was over for me after seven years in London. I came here as an expericned player and person.
"It was sometimes written that I was coming back to Germany because of my wife. That's not the truth. Like me, she was very happy in London.
"I made the decision solely as a footballer and athlete. I came to a top club in Germany that has a plan and wants to achieve something."He went on to add: "You can only see what it's really like if you can train here every day and be there.
"You can work in peace at Bayer Leverkusen, there is no chaos, other clubs are more in focus. This is an advantage.
"At Arsenal, the pressure is different. But we have high ambitions because we know that we can have enormous potential in the team.
"If we keep working like this and keep our feet on the ground, we can achieve something."
Leverkusen are currently leading the Bundesliga table under the management of Liverpool and Real Madrid icon Xabi Alonso. They have won five of their six matches this season, including a 3-0 win at Mainz on Saturday.
Xhaka has started every game since his arrival at the club in the summer, and has already established himself as an important player and leader.
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