Xhaka already on song with Arsenal ambition
Swiss star is determined to end club’s Premier League title wait
IT is during the course of a conversation about his karaoke skills when Granit Xhaka, Arsenal’s standout summer signing, shows how quickly he is learning.
The Switzerland international’s move from Borussia Moenchengladbach cost Arsene Wenger £30million — the third most expensive transfer in Arsenal’s history — but the size of the transfer fee is not something which will inhibit him.
Xhaka has come to England to make a big impression and he has already done that with his new teammates, standing up during dinner at their San Jose hotel earlier this week to sing a traditional Albanian song. All new players must do this initiation and he passed the test with flying colours.
‘It was one that I like and one that has to do with love, that’s why I picked it,’ says Xhaka whose parents are Albanian. ‘I hope the lads enjoyed it! I don’t think I’m the best singer, which you have probably seen in the videos. But doing something like that is always fun. It was good.’
His first performance on the field, in the 2-1 win over the MLS All-Stars on Thursday, was similarly confident and assured but it is not just his actions that are hitting the right tone. His words are just as taking, particularly when the subject of expectation arises.
Few clubs most deal with the tensions and the expectation that are placed on Arsenal and the atmosphere it creates is unique; some may view it as stifling but Xhaka has no issue with their demand to win to the Premier League. He wants it as well. ‘The fee doesn’t really influence or disturb me,’ says Xhaka, in his first interview since arriving. ‘I’m going to give my best and not worry about transfer fees or anything like that. I’ll give my all on the pitch, as I have in recent years. That’s what is important. We will give our all to win something. ‘I’ve already noticed how high the expectation levels are at this club. You realise that quickly. But we’ll go from game to game and will make sure we are well prepared for every game. Lots of teams have strengthened their squads and many new coaches and good players have come to the league. ‘I’m looking forward to the new adventure. Playing in the Premier League was always my dream and I’m definitely going to relish this opportunity and give my absolute everything for this club.’ Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described Xhaka’s 45-minute run out on Thursday as ‘very encouraging’ and it was not difficult to see why, give the elegant way he used the ball, never taking two touches when one would do, and found space to give options.
It was a snapshot of why so many clubs were watching the 23-year-old, whose career began with Basel before he moved to the Bundesliga; he was linked at one stage with Liverpool but Xhaka is quick to make clear that there was only one outcome once he learned Wenger wanted him.
‘I personally never had contact with Klopp or Liverpool,’ says Xhaka, who will get more game time in the early hours of tomorrow morning in Los Angeles when Arsenal concluded their United States with a game against the Mexican side Chivas.
‘A while ago, I spoke to Arsene Wenger. But this club fits to me and I fit to it. Arsenal play attractive football and I enjoy that. I think you could see against the MLS side that this team has a lot of quality and we’ll give our all to show that on the pitch.
‘It’s a really nice feeling to play for such a great and big club for the first time. I really enjoyed it and I think it showed on the pitch that I’ve been welcomed really well, that I have the trust of my team-mates. I’m really pleased to have finally played my first game.’