Arsenal have confirmed that Granit Xhaka has been appointed the club’s captain. The Swiss international came out top of the votes from players and when asked why he opted to hand the player the armband, manager Unai Emery said there were a number of factors:
“In the dressing room the players voted for him as the first. After, I spoke with him and we want to change that opinion outside because that respect that he has inside the dressing room is very, very important…”
“I trust and believe in him and he is a good man, a good professional and a good player. Sometimes he has made a mistake, yes, but the most important thing is to analyse, to learn and to correct that in the future.”
“His challenge and our challenge is to change that opinion and above all, show personality and improve in each match and give us his help every time.”
Fans on Twitter were not particularly impressed by the decision and don’t believe the 27-year-old has what it takes to lead the Gunners:
Shambolic decision
— Skhumbuzo Nxumalo (@bhabha1203) 27 September 2019
Sad times
— Sean Griffin (@Griffsean12) 27 September 2019
Absolute joke. Don’t want him anywhere near the 1st team ??
— EMPERORS NEW CLOTHES (@charlesosborne8) 27 September 2019
Xhaka will be the downfall of Emery
— Daven Rajan William (@DavenRajan) 27 September 2019
The worst captain in arsenal history…?
— romy (@imor1972) 27 September 2019
So upset by this
— Cy (@cy419) 28 September 2019
— GoonerDog (@oneWiseDoggo) 27 September 2019
Horrible decision. We cant improve with him as a captain. No leadership.
— Adalbert ?? ??????? (@adalbertAFC) 27 September 2019
The players decided why all the fuss.
— Tactical Touch Grassroots Soccer (@tacticaltouch) 27 September 2019
He may be a good captain I don’t know yet… but he still shouldn’t be starting for us.
— AFC (@CompleteArsenal) 27 September 2019
Xhaka will have to prove a lot of people wrong over the coming weeks and months. After coming out on top of the vote, it would have been hard for Emery to opt for another player, and while his capabilities as a footballer have been questioned by many, his ability to lead is something that the players clearly appreciate.
The Swiss star will lead Arsenal out for the first time officially as club captain at Old Trafford on Monday night when they face Manchester United.
