Granit Xhaka's time at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a heartwarming tale of redemption. From facing boos and rumors of a forced exit to becoming a cherished leader, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of trust and belief.

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Xhaka shed light on the dark days preceding his Arsenal resurgence. "The club showed me little respect even though I was the captain," he revealed. "It was clear they wanted to get rid of me as quickly as possible." With bags packed and heart set on departure, Xhaka found a single ray of hope in Mikel Arteta.

"When I met him for the first time, my bags were already packed and I was about to hop on a plane," Xhaka recalled. "Mikel told me he wanted me to stay. But I wasn't sure." That conversation, fueled by Arteta's unwavering faith, planted the seeds of doubt in Xhaka's planned escape.

Torn between his own disillusionment and Arteta's conviction, Xhaka sought his father's advice. "For the first time ever, he told me, 'Let's go,'" Xhaka revealed. "He said there was no future for me at Arsenal." Yet, something about Arteta's belief tugged at him.

In a pivotal moment of trust, Xhaka defied his inner turmoil and his family's advice. "I took a decision without talking to my family first," he admitted. "I got up and said, 'OK, I'll stay.'" That simple "yes" marked a turning point, not just for Xhaka, but for his relationship with Arsenal and its fans.

From outcast to indispensable, Xhaka's transformation was remarkable. He embraced Arteta's vision, rediscovered his on-field spark, and led by example. The boos turned to cheers, the doubts to admiration. He wasn't just a player; he was the heart and soul of the team.

Xhaka's story echoes beyond the confines of Arsenal. It's a testament to the power of a coach's unwavering belief, the courage to make tough choices, and the potential for redemption hidden within every challenge. It's a reminder that sometimes, staying put and fighting for what you believe in can yield the most profound rewards.

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