Granit Xhaka has admitted Mikel Arteta was the reason he decided to stay at Arsenal.
The Switzerland international wanted to leave the Emirates Stadium back in 2019, however, the arrival of Arteta changed everything.
The Gunners’ new boss transformed the team and gave confidence to him to play and improve with the squad.
“When Mikel was appointed, I told him that I wanted to leave. He understood completely. We had a second chat a few days later & when I went in, I had talked it through with my wife. Our suitcases were placed by the door. It is very difficult to change my mind,” Xhaka told The Player’s Tribune, via HITC.
“Then Mikel began to talk about how I was a big part of his plans. I liked his warmth. He was honest, straight. Clear plans. I felt I could trust him. He told me to give him six months to prove me wrong & then if I still wanted to leave, no problem.
“Normally I spend a lot of time making these decisions. I talk to everyone around me, but that day I broke my own rules. I told Mikel, ‘Ok’. I called my wife & parents, ‘We’re staying. Unpack the bags, this is a new challenge. Either you are with me or I’ll go it alone’.”