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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has praised Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, calling him one of the best signings of the summer, ahead of Arsenal's trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
Xhaka returned to England in July with newly promoted Sunderland after a two-year spell at Bayer Leverkusen, having previously joined from Arsenal in 2023. Arteta was not keen on Xhaka leaving after seven seasons at the club, but it was the Swiss international himself who wanted to return to Germany, but the Gunners boss spoke fondly of the midfielder ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
" I loved every minute we spent together. When I joined the team, he was at a special moment in his life and career, and we all tried to guide him, give him a different perspective and make him feel loved and appreciated, and he responded in an extraordinary way ," Arteta initially said. Xhaka's response, according to Arteta, not only improved his performance, but also played a crucial role in Arsenal's development.
" He made me a better coach, he helped us develop and improve a lot as a football team and as a club, and I will be eternally grateful because I have wonderful memories with him ."
Arteta then spoke about the moment of his transfer to Leverkusen.
" I did it once, we extended his contract and when he came and explained the reasons to me, you have to understand the human being, you have to be grateful. It was a unique opportunity for him to go back to Germany to his family, and there were also some things he wanted to experience as well. I believe it was the right moment, he was very honest and direct as he always is, and we found a way to find a good solution for all of us ," the Arsenal coach concluded.
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