Thank you, Granit Xhaka ❤️

Granit Xhaka has joined Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent transfer.

The midfielder signed for us in May 2016 and has made 297 appearances in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and assisting 29 times. A two-time FA Cup winner, he also won the FA Community Shield twice during his time with the club.

The Switzerland national team captain, he has represented his country at all levels and has made 115 senior appearances to date, scoring 13 goals. The 30-year-old has played in two UEFA European Championships and three FIFA World Cups and is currently the second-most-capped player in Switzerland’s history.

Granit was born in Switzerland to Albanian parents with Kosovan heritage and, as a 17-year-old, scored on his first-team debut for Basel in a UEFA Champions League qualifier against Debrecen at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season. He went on to lift silverware in his first season – the Swiss Super League – with his hometown club.

At the end of the 2011/12 campaign, Granit joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. During an influential stint in Germany, he made 140 appearances in all competitions and became Gladbach’s club captain at just 22 years old.

Granit headed to north London at the end of the 2015/16 season and made his competitive debut for us against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on August 14, 2016. His first goal for the club came the following month in a 4-1 Premier League victory away to Hull City.

Granit was instrumental in both of our most recent FA Cup triumphs, which extended the club’s winning record in the historic competition. He was a key figure as we progressed to Wembley in both 2017 and 2020 and was in the starting XI on each occasion in the momentous victories over Chelsea.

Each FA Cup win was followed by FA Community Shield success – against Chelsea and Liverpool respectively – with Granit featuring in both wins.

The 2022/23 campaign saw the Swiss play an integral role during our impressive season. He made 47 appearances in all competitions and scored nine goals, his highest tally in a single season, including a brace in the final day victory over Wolves – a fitting way to end a superb career with us.

Sporting Director Edu said: “Granit has been a big part of our club for a long time. He has given us great commitment and quality over the years, playing such an important role in our progression and success. He leaves us with our huge respect and thanks. We wish Granit all the best for the future.”

Mikel Arteta added: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his team mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is.

“We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.”

Everyone at Arsenal thanks Granit for his contribution during his seven years with us and wish him and his family the best of health and happiness in the future.

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[MNA]

A great example of a leader and a man who came back from lowest of lows and reached a new high that nobody thought he was capable of. Thank you, Gunner Granit.

[webmeister]

And today he could finally win a league title. Granit Xhaka We Got!!

[theodoxdip]

This departure got me really emotional.
Thank you Granit, Captain, Leader, Hero❤

[outsidermon]

The way he bounce back and the comeback as a player. Natural born leader, what a player Xhaka respect 😢👏👏👏👏👏👏

[tyrantkiller]

Crazy to think he was one of the last remaining signings of Wenger...Thank you Granit❤

[jakebest]

I think he's the most respected of any player that has left the club in the last decade. His strength of character is an inspiration to all of us.

[yxngahmed]

Will never be forgotten the way he went from being hated by the fans to a fan favourite was remarkable. Good luck on your new chapter Granit gonna miss you ❤

[kushaberlin]

Granit Xhaka, super Willkommen in die Bundesliga

[hyperskyline]

He gave everything in the pitch even when we we're in our most low point, such class and played for the shirt no matter what, Xhaka's a legend.

[DjMaarz]

i wish you could have stayed ONE more year to play in Europe with us. You played a major role in getting us back, you deserved to lead us at least once.

[kayus]

I love the guy from beginning to end, never ever wanted him to leave even when many turns on him because he loves the club and plays his heart out everything, always available to play, never complain. A true warrior

[dam_flxsh]

Why my heart feal like burn & broken OMG i love you GRANIT you always in our heart!☹🤧😭💔

[dantheman]

This one hits hard. Always have been a big fan of him. Really going to miss him. He will always be a Gunner, he is our family ❤😢 All the best Granit Xhaka!

[Gutu-Namaa]

Goodbye, Xhaka. We miss all your heroic deeds and terrific tackles as well. Seeing you change the way you play last season strengthens me that I could change my life and personality for the better too.🤣🤣

[relaxreal]

Within ups and downs he was there trying to help the way he could. Thank you for your precious service for our club and for the happiness you put into our faces as fans. Thank you

[HartDynastyHD]

Captain, Leader, Hero. All the best to the Swiss warrior!

[zackleyton]

Once A GUNNER ALWAYS A GUNNER
We love u Granit
Good luck for the future

[feck]

i will miss him - but i am SOOO glad his last year was SO good that this is the way we will remember him. Always welcome back Xhaka. Leaves with our blessing. Best of luck over there!

[rishabhpat]

I love him♥️🙌, he has emerged as a 🌟 for Gunners!! I started following Gunners for Xhakha and for Ozil...Xhaka Took a BIG u turn when MA came in.... His leadership and contributions are very similar to Mikel when he was playing for Gunners!!!
I love to see him playing, ❤️, I love to see him assisting❤, I love to seem him smiling with that ❤️ I love to see him beside MA....as they both share a great bond...!! 🎉
I wish Xhaka to play for Gunners until his last

[franklinolori]

it's really hard to say goodbyes, can't believe I teared up... Thank you Granit Xhaka, I love YOU❤❤❤