Former Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos has expressed regret regarding the decision to offload Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen. He cited the Swiss midfielder’s leadership and charisma as qualities that were sorely missed by the Gunners. Senderos, who represented Arsenal from 2003 to 2010, lamented Xhaka’s departure in the lead-up to the 2023-24 season.
Xhaka played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title challenge during the 2022-23 season, and his contributions were sorely missed following his move to Leverkusen, where he played a part in securing the Bundesliga trophy under the management of Xabi Alonso.
In an interview with OLBG, Senderos remarked, “You always want this type of player to stay in your team because he’s such a leader and such a charismatic person. You want these types of people when things get tough. But it’s been an amazing thing for him in his career to move, to have a new manager, to have a new team and to be so successful that they have been this year.”
Despite his admiration for Xhaka’s accomplishments at Leverkusen, Senderos expressed his disappointment as an Arsenal fan, emphasizing the value of retaining quality players within the squad. He highlighted the esteem with which Xhaka was regarded for his conduct upon leaving the club, underscoring the respect for his character and contributions.
Xhaka’s sentiment towards his former club was also evident, as he conveyed his well wishes to Arsenal in the wake of their Champions League exit to Bayern Munich. He remained supportive of the team’s pursuit of the Premier League title and expressed his continued connection to the club and its personnel.
Having amassed 297 appearances for Arsenal, Xhaka’s influence on the pitch was underscored by his 23 goals and 29 assists, a testament to his impact within the squad.
The sentiments echoed by Senderos and Xhaka shed light on the enduring impact of player departures and the lasting connection between individuals and their former clubs. Ultimately, Arsenal’s decision to part ways with Xhaka will draw comparisons between the importance of strong leadership and commitment, and the potential consequences that may ensue in the wake of such departures.