![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/xhaka-thought-he-couldnt-play-for-arsenal-again-before-arteta-intervention/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/0_Screenshot-2022-10-27-at-143414.jpg&description=Three years ago, Granit Xhaka's Arsenal career had all but come to a close after receiving heavy criticism from Arsenal fans - but he has somehow managed to turn it aroundGranit Xhaka and Mikel Arteta in deep conversation against Tottenham HotspurGranit Xhaka has revealed that Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at Arsenal after the Switzerland international became "very close" to leaving the Gunners. It all stemmed from an incident on 27 October 2019, when Xhaka was at the centre of criticism after being substituted off in the 61st minute against Crystal Palace. A portion of Arsenal fans started to cheer when his name was called to be replaced, while he was also booed as he left the pitch at the Emirates Stadium. The 30-year-old responded by making several sarcastic gestures and angrily saying "f*** off" twice to the fans who jeered his name. Xhaka also removed his jersey before walking straight down the tunnel, with then-manager Unai Emery describing his actions as "wrong" and suggested that the midfielder should apologise. After the incident, Xhaka began a hiatus from the first-team squad, before Arteta replaced Emery in December 2019. Xhaka was adamant that he wanted to depart the Gunners and start a new chapter somewhere else, but Spaniard Arteta managed to convince him to stay. In an interview with BBC Sport, Xhaka said: "I don't wish anyone to be in the situation that I was in. It was the most difficult time for me, family, and at the time, you don't see anyone near you - this is the problem. You are sitting in a dark place, feeling alone, you have no chance to touch anyone, that's how I felt. "You try and not listen to what the media is writing or speaking on the TV, but you cannot ignore it. After that, I had one option, and that was to leave. It was too much for me, the fans supported me for three years, but then they didn't support me. Granit Xhaka cut a frustrated figure after being taken off against Crystal Palace in 2019 ( Getty Images) "I don't know ho){kind=link}
Three years ago, Granit Xhaka’s Arsenal career had all but come to a close after receiving heavy criticism from Arsenal fans – but he has somehow managed to turn it around
Granit Xhaka has revealed that Mikel Arteta convinced him to stay at Arsenal after the Switzerland international became “very close” to leaving the Gunners.
It all stemmed from an incident on 27 October 2019, when Xhaka was at the centre of criticism after being substituted off in the 61st minute against Crystal Palace. A portion of Arsenal fans started to cheer when his name was called to be replaced, while he was also booed as he left the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.
The 30-year-old responded by making several sarcastic gestures and angrily saying “f*** off” twice to the fans who jeered his name. Xhaka also removed his jersey before walking straight down the tunnel, with then-manager Unai Emery describing his actions as “wrong” and suggested that the midfielder should apologise.
After the incident, Xhaka began a hiatus from the first-team squad, before Arteta replaced Emery in December 2019. Xhaka was adamant that he wanted to depart the Gunners and start a new chapter somewhere else, but Spaniard Arteta managed to convince him to stay.