Arsenal News: Granit Xhaka opens up about his angry reaction

What's the story?

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has opened up for the first time about his reaction to verbal abuse after being substituted during the club's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace last month.

In case you didn't know...

Xhaka was on the wrong end of fan abuse during the Arsenal match against Palace last month, and the Switzerland international uncharacteristically reacted angrily, resulting in Unai Emery stripping him of the captaincy.

The Gunners boss has gone on to admit that the Swiss international may not play again for the club, with several rumours linking the midfielder to a move away from the Emirates.

The heart of the matter

Xhaka in an exclusive interview with Swiss newspaper Blick has opened up about his angry reaction towards Arsenal fans after being jeered off the pitch.

When my shirt number lit up on the fourth official's panel and our own fans broke into gleeful jubilation, that hit me very hard and really upset me.

It was very hurtful and frustrating.I can't understand a reaction like that even now, especially the vehemence of it and the extreme hostility directed against me. I don't mean to say that I can't take criticism. If the team and I don't play well, we must listen and work on it.

But insulting and swearing at your own captain will cause upset and a bad atmosphere for the team you are actually supposed to be supporting. That makes no sense to me and weakens the team's spirit.

I'll continue to stay positive, give my all to an even greater extent and prove that I'm an important part of this great team.

What's next

Xhaka will be hoping to win back the trust of his manager and the fans after the international break, as he looks to make his first appearance since the incident.

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