Granit Xhaka explains how Arsenal fan incident transformed his career

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has opened up about how his infamous clash with Arsenal supporters in 2019 became a defining moment in his career — one that ultimately reshaped his mindset, professionalism and longevity at the top level.

The Swiss international, now 33, has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers since returning to the Premier League in July, captaining the Black Cats and making 17 appearances so far this season as they push for European qualification.

Xhaka was heavily booed by Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium in October 2019 after being substituted against Crystal Palace — an episode that marked the lowest point of his time in north London.

Speaking in a detailed interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Xhaka revealed that the fallout from that moment forced him to reassess every aspect of his life as a professional footballer.

“Since the incident with the Arsenal fans in October 2019, fundamental things have changed for me,” Xhaka said. “Discipline, recovery, sleep, nutrition, mindset, my circle of friends. I’ve become calmer and more balanced.”

Rather than derailing his career, the experience became a catalyst for long-term growth.

Xhaka also credited two managers for helping him evolve — Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso — describing their influence as transformative beyond tactics alone.

“I also had the privilege of working with two coaches, Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, from whom I learned an enormous amount,” he said.
“Technically, tactically, but above all, personally. The latter is the most important thing.”

Xhaka left Arsenal in 2023 to join Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a pivotal role in their title-winning season under Alonso — a campaign that fully restored his reputation at the elite level.

Now back in England, Xhaka has quickly established himself as a leader at Sunderland. The Black Cats currently sit seventh in the Premier League and could move ahead of both Manchester United and Chelsea with results going their way.

Having followed Sunderland closely this season, Xhaka’s influence has gone far beyond performances. His composure, game management and authority in midfield have been central to their consistency.

Notably, Xhaka has previously acknowledged the role Arsenal supporters played in his journey. In September 2024, he publicly thanked fans for booing him in 2019 — a gesture that underlined how far his perspective has shifted.

What once felt like a breaking point has instead become the foundation of Xhaka’s late-career peak. The boos that echoed around the Emirates now stand as a reminder of the standards he set for himself — and the changes that followed.

At Sunderland, those lessons are paying dividends.

As Sunderland continue their push up the table, Xhaka’s experience and leadership will be crucial. For the midfielder himself, the journey from vilified captain to respected leader feels complete — shaped, in no small part, by a difficult night in north London.

Has Granit Xhaka’s response to adversity made him one of the Premier League’s most compelling comeback stories?