Granit Xhaka | Arsenal Redemption

Granit Xhaka has won over the fans since he revealed his story to The Player's Tribune, and here are some of the reasons why.

Granit Xhaka opens up about being booed off the pitch against Crystal Palace, the captaincy, online abuse, the red cards, his relationship with Mikel Arteta, why he still loves Arsenal, and more.

About The Players' Tribune:
Welcome to The Players’ Tribune, a media platform that presents the voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter in 2014, The Players’ Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and publishes first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune strives to be “The Voice of the Game.”

[TectonicBadger]

Mad respect for this guy. I know he's made mistakes, but you can see how committed he is, and he's an intelligent player and person. I hope he stays at Arsenal this summer, you can just tell what an important personality he is to the rest of the team and the manager. COYG

[playerstribune]

Unbelievable turnaround from Xhaka! One of the best in the league this season!

[treyteezy]

Can't imagine the scenes when he lifts the PL trophy. Incredible turnaround.

[benhaines.]

Genuinely fascinating character and one of the most insightful players we've ever had on TPT. Thanks so much for being so honest, authentic and for sharing your story with The Players' Tribune Granit.

[MrALEXROCKS]

Xhaka criminally underrated by social media fans but match going fans and true fans can see the effect this man has on the team. Without him we are lost in midfield. Xhaka deserves respect, and I hope this video goes a way in repairing the rift he has with the fans. He still has a lot to give here. For me, Xhaka is the captain without the armband. He does not need the metaphorical symbol of the band around his arm, when he is on the pitch, in the media, for his national team - he is a natural captain and he is always striving for the best for this club. Respect, Granit.

[spongeboblongpants]

The part when he said we "Arsenal fans" make players scared of making mistakes broke my heart. Football is a game to be enjoyed and mistakes happen, they are part of football. And us as Arsenal fans should stop scaring our players with the ridiculous comments. Kindly let us support our players.

[gabrielmorales]

I can see him being an elite manager someday. Serious character true professional love this guy

[Chango]

Can be a frustrating player at times but his dedication, commitment and professionalism is always exemplary. Young players should endeavor to have an attitude just like granit.

[vladimirputinmw]

Feels so good to come back to this interview after Xhaka scored an amazing goal against Manchester United today. Despite the respect and the love we all have for Granit, no one mentioned Arteta. How important was Mikel on helping Xhaka come back up, absolute legend with great vision. In Arteta we trust!
When you listen to the way Xhaka speaks about Arteta you see what a mastermind he is. If it wasn’t for Arteta we would not have Xhaka today!

[jimothy]

Excellent interview this, no clichés or guys looking for soundbites just a player talking. We need more of this, more humanising players, there's been so much to disconnect us from them recently with super leagues, closed doors games and disparity in their wages compared to ours. It's important to have these videos to remind us they are still human like the rest of us.

[vladimirputinmw]

Watching this video you realise what a mastermind Arteta is, the way he approaches his players, the way he motivates them, if it wasn’t for him Xhaka would be done. Just listen to the way Xhaka speaks about him! And this goes for all the other players including the amazing performances of Saka and ESR under him. Even with the Nketiah situation, alot of fans doubted him and Arteta pushed for him to stay, and today, after 2 amazing performances against Chelsea and Manchester United we all love Eddie! IN ARTETA WE TRUST!

[losangeles]

Great interview and much need to hear Xhaka's point of view. He's still my Arsenal Captain and back him 1000 percent. Respect.

[ramprasad_v]

Thanks to the Players tribune team (TPTfootball) for interviewing football players & showing us thier real character. After seeing these shows I have special respect for the players & thank you for that ❤️

[lidgie]

Nobody who abuses players is an arsenal fan - victory through harmony. All us real ones are fully behind you granit 👊

[iam]

Big arsenal fan here, big respect to this man. You are appreciated my friend💪🏽

[seanbyrne]

Xhaka v France was one of the best player performance ever

[dafwilliams]

Love this guy. The only player I've ever known that his own fans and media will only talk when he plays poorly. Yet when he's good which is most weeks he is not praised. Massive respect for him and what a interview.

[samuelmoore]

My respect for Xhaka just skyrocketed after watching this. Real guy on and off the pitch. Thank you for this piece of content. More of this.

[dannyk]

Granit has probably the best redemption story in football. To go from what happened during the Palace game to now having his name sung around the Emirates in a title leading side. Full respect to the guy

[ChillxKING]

I changed my mind on you Xhaka when I saw how hard you were fighting for the team and that you didn’t do the lazy apology and took your time. The Gooner fans are behind you and your family ❤️