Granit Xhaka: "When Mikel was appointed, I told him that I wanted to leave. He understood completely. We had a second chat a few days later, and when I went in, I had talked it through with my wife. Our suitcases were literally placed by the door.
When I have made a decision like that, it is very difficult to change my mind. But 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, and 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, I weigh up the pros and cons. But that day I broke my own rules.
I told Mikel, “O.K.”
I called my wife and my parents. “We’re staying.”
They were like, “No way.”
I said, “Yes. Unpack the bags. This is a new challenge. Either you are with me, or I’ll go it alone, because I will go through with this.”
Of course, they were with me. But it was so hard, man. All this s*** had happened. All these people were saying, “Why don’t you leave already!” My dad was telling me, “It’s over.” So why go back? Because I felt I was big enough to make this decision on my own. Was I going to let these people have it their way? These people who think I am worthless? Who hate me? No. That’s not who I am. My head had left Arsenal, but my heart had not.
My heart was telling me, You can’t leave this football club like this.
Mikel and I didn’t speak about my future again, because after six months I was happy.
Today I know I made the right decision, absolutely."
"If I die, I am going to ask God where the referees are before choosing between heaven and hell." - Arsène Wenger
When Mikel Riley and Man United ended The Arsenal’s 49 game unbeaten run at Old Trafford in October 2004.
Linear perspective was discovered in the early 15th century by Filippo Brunelleschi. Manchester United fans still struggling with it some 600 years later.
You have no reason whatsoever not to support Kai. It’s the only way he will get his confidence back, it’s for his benefit, and it’s for the benefit of your football club. Kai Havertz appreciation. Let’s go 👏
Back Kai Havertz! It took Thierry Henry 8 games before he scored his 1st Arsenal goal. Back then, people were moaning about Arsène playing a winger who can’t score at CF. Football is about patience, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Show Kai your support, it’s for Arsenal’s benefit ❤️
SO FUCKING TIRED of Arsenal twitter already this season.
Oh no! The manager is trying new shapes! He must have forgot how to coach!
Oh no! Kai Havertz cost 65m and hasn't bagged 6 in 3 so far! Total flop! Screw acclimatization!
Gabriel didn't start! He must go!
Fuck. Off.
All of this Kai Havertz discourse is going to look rather silly when he inevitably starts to score goals.
Arteta didn’t sign him to play the second-phase role. He signed him to score goals and the signs suggest that it’s only a matter of time before he starts scoring.
Patience.
"Play Guendouzi and Torreira together. Why is Xhaka playing? Sell him"
"Odegaard is not good enough, we should've signed Buendia"
"Vieira was a total waste of money, what does he even offer?"
We will NEVER learn.