Granit Xhaka left Arsenal with regret as he stood on the verge of a first Premier League title with the London club. However, things didn’t go smoothly as they continuously made mistakes during crucial moments of the 2022/2023 season.

Granit Xhaka has disclosed the reasons behind his departure from Arsenal to join Bayer Leverkusen. The 31-year-old midfielder enjoyed a seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium, securing two FA Cups and two Community Shields before returning to the Bundesliga.

Despite facing significant criticism during his time with the Gunners, Xhaka concluded his turbulent journey in the English top-flight on a positive note. During his final season, the Swiss international played a pivotal role for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta led a charge for the Premier League title.

Ultimately, Xhaka fell short of leading the north London club to the top spot, as Manchester City secured their third consecutive English title. Following the conclusion of the season, rumors circulated that the Swiss star’s wife desired a return to Germany.

However, in an interview with German outlet NZZ am Sonntag, Xhaka has confirmed that the speculation was false and that he chose to join Leverkusen for sporting reasons. The former Arsenal captain said: “I didn’t come to Leverkusen as a boss, but because I was looking for a new challenge.

“I felt like my time at Arsenal was over for me after seven years in London. I came here as an experienced player and person. The other players see that I can give them something of what I have learned. That’s part of my role here.

“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. Of course the change was easier for us because, like me, we used to live in Dusseldorf and it is close to Monchengladbach, where my wife grew up.”

Then, when asked the difference between Arsenal and Leverkusen, Xhaka replied: “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 have enormous potential in the team. If we keep working like this and keep our feet on the ground, we can achieve something.”

However, on April 15, 2024, Granit Xhaka recently revealed the real reason for his departure from Arsenal to The Athletic: “I said Arteta. I just want to be somewhere where the fans don’t boo me.”