Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Sunderland boss Granit Xhaka share a fantastic relationship with each other.
The Swiss international was actually the midfielder whom Arsene Wenger signed to replace Arteta after he announced his retirement in 2016.
Then, over three years later, the Spaniard became the Arsenal boss and saved Xhaka’s career at the club.
The two have showered each other with praise on several occasions since, but after the Gunners’ 2-2 draw against Sunderland in November, they did not speak to each other.
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Granit Xhaka explains why he didn’t speak to Mikel Arteta after Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal
Granit Xhaka started for Sunderland when they faced Arsenal at the Stadium of Light in November.
The Gunners were in incredible form going into the game. They had won 10 in a row in all competitions, and everyone expected them to make it 11.
However, the Black Cats held them to a 2-2 draw, and Xhaka was integral for his side in the middle of the park that evening.
After the game, you would imagine that Xhaka would’ve spent some time with Mikel Arteta behind the scenes because of the magnificent relationship they share.
However, the midfielder has revealed that he did not do that for one reason – because it’s better to leave the Arsenal boss to himself after a game in which they’ve dropped points.
Xhaka told BBC Sport: “After our first game here in Sunderland, after the game, we didn’t have a lot of contact because of the situation and all these things.
“I know how Mikel is. It is better to leave him alone when he draws or he loses.
“I have a lot of respect for this guy because he was the guy who kept me in the football club. Everyone knows it, and I say this one all the time, I will never forget what he did for me.”
Was there a better replacement for Granit Xhaka at Arsenal than Declan Rice? If so, let us know!
Arsenal won’t have to worry about Granit Xhaka vs Sunderland at the Emirates
Xhaka is one of Sunderland’s most important players, and he is among the biggest reasons why they have fared so well this season.
Arsenal face the Black Cats on Saturday at the Emirates, and it will be a very tough game.
However, Xhaka has been ruled out of the fixture due to injury, so that is one less problem for Arsenal to worry about.
It will be interesting to see if the midfielder will travel with his squad to the Emirates even though he is not fit enough to play.
If he does, we are convinced he will receive a fantastic reception from the home crowd.
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