Granit Xhaka’s Career Reinvention: From Arsenal Fallout to Sunderland’s Rising Star
Granit Xhaka’s career has been a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and a relentless pursuit of challenge. The Swiss international, currently captaining Sunderland, recently opened up about pivotal moments that shaped his journey, from early struggles in Germany to a highly publicized falling out with Arsenal fans, and his surprising return to the Premier League.
Early Setbacks and a Father’s Guidance
Xhaka’s professional career began with a move to Borussia Mönchengladbach at the age of 19. This initial foray away from family proved demanding, compounded by a lack of consistent playing time. He credits his father, Ragip Xhaka, with providing crucial support during this period. According to Xhaka, his father instilled a mindset of perseverance, advising him to “head down and just work” rather than retreat in the face of adversity. This early lesson in resilience would become a defining characteristic of his career.
The Arsenal Chapter: Highs, Lows, and a Complex Legacy
Xhaka spent seven years at Arsenal, a period marked by both success and significant controversy. While he acknowledges the 2019 incident with fans as a “misunderstanding,” he emphasizes the overall pride he feels in representing the club for such a sustained period. He notes that people often focus solely on the negative moments, overlooking the contributions he made over seven years. Leaving Arsenal was a difficult decision, made with his family, but ultimately driven by a desire for a fresh challenge.
A Surprise Return to the Premier League: Why Sunderland?
The move to Sunderland raised eyebrows, particularly given Xhaka’s previous stint in the Premier League and a recent successful spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the club win its first-ever Bundesliga title. Xhaka explained that the decision wasn’t initially planned; he had signed a five-year contract with Leverkusen. However, a conversation with the Sunderland owner convinced him that the club offered the right environment for his next chapter. He was drawn to the club’s humility and the city’s resemblance to his own upbringing.
Driven by Challenge and a Vision for Success
Xhaka’s motivation for joining Sunderland wasn’t simply a desire to return to the Premier League. He explicitly stated his intention to elevate the club, emphasizing that he didn’t desire to join a team destined for relegation. He saw an opportunity to build something special and was confident in his ability to contribute to a successful project. He revealed he had numerous offers during the summer transfer window, but Sunderland stood out after a 20-minute conversation with the owner.
The Importance of Family and Heritage
Throughout his career, Xhaka’s family has been a constant source of strength, and grounding. Born in Switzerland to Albanian-Kosovan parents who migrated around 1990, his family history is marked by resilience and political activism. His father, Ragip Xhaka, was imprisoned in former Yugoslavia for his political beliefs, a story Xhaka cites as shaping his character. He is married to Leonita Lekaj, and they have three daughters: Ayana (born 2019), Laneya (born 2021), and Neyana (born 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Granit Xhaka’s current role? He is the captain of both Sunderland and the Switzerland national team.
- What were the key challenges early in Xhaka’s career? Moving away from his family at a young age and initially struggling for playing time in Germany.
- What prompted his move to Sunderland? A desire for a new challenge and a belief in the club’s potential, following a conversation with the owner.
- What is Xhaka’s family background? He was born in Switzerland to parents of Albanian-Kosovan origin.
Pro Tip: Xhaka’s story highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in professional football. Players who can overcome setbacks and embrace new challenges are often the most successful.
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