Granit Xhaka opened up about his turbulent Arsenal tenure and surprising Sunderland resurgence in a revealing BBC interview. The 33-year-old midfielder admitted to enduring "dark days and nights" during his 2019 clash with Gunners fans, when he was stripped of the captaincy after gesturing to jeering supporters. His career rebounded with a Bundesliga double at Bayer Leverkusen before an unplanned Premier League return with the Black Cats.

Xhaka credited Mikel Arteta for salvaging his Arsenal career, calling the manager "the guy who kept me in the football club." Despite leaving London in 2023, he maintains deep respect for his former boss. The Swiss international has become pivotal to Sunderland's strong top-flight return, though an injury sidelines him for this weekend's emotionally charged Emirates Stadium reunion.

Now wearing red-and-white stripes, Xhaka emphasized his winning mentality: "I'm not here to create friends. I'm here to win." His combative style draws opposition ire, but teammates describe a loyal leader contrasting his on-field persona. Family resilience shaped his approach - his father survived political imprisonment in Yugoslavia before rebuilding life in Switzerland.

Quick Fact: Xhaka signed a five-year contract at Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.