Xhaka clears the air on why he left Arsenal amid rumours

Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has cleared the air on his recent transfer from Arsenal this summer amid rumours he left because his wife was no longer happy being in England.

Recall that Xhaka a few days ago completed a £21.5million transfer to German side Bayer Leverkusen.

The midfielder departed the Emirates after seven years, in which he made over 200 appearances for the North London side.

Xhaka in a recent statement after his departure said he left because he wanted a new challenge, rather than any family input.

“There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true.

“The fact is that as a person I am always interested in new challenges.

“After seven years, the time has come for something completely new. The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes [sporting director] and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me,” Xhaka told Keystone-SDA.