Former Arsenal player 'cried for joy' after sealing exit from Mikel Arteta's side

One former Arsenal player could be at risk of angering supporters after revealing he "cried for joy" upon sealing a move away from the club this summer.

The Gunners had a busy transfer window, adding the likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and David Raya to their weaponry.

However, they have endured a difficult start to the new season following a number of injuries to the squad - with Mikel Arteta currently without a recognised No. 9 as he prepares to face Sevilla in the Champions League.

As a result, fans may point the finger towards the club's decision to sell the likes of Granit Xhaka, who moved to Bayer Leverkusen in a €15m deal in July, after confirming he wanted to leave the Emirates.

The Swiss international has had a bright start to life in Germany since making the switch, helping Xabi Alonso's side reach the top of the Bundesliga.

Meanwhile, Xhaka has since lifted the lid on his Arsenal exit, admitting that he "cried for joy" upon making the move to the German club.

Speaking to Leverkusen's own TV show “The Werkself Friend Book”, Xhaka was asked if he had ever cried tears joy, to which the midfielder replied (quotes via BILD): “Absolutely. I'm a very emotional person, I like to cry and I'm not ashamed of it.

"Of course, I also cried for joy at times. For example, when I made my transfer here to Leverkusen. Of course I also cried tears of joy because I really wanted to go back. I think it's also part of it as a person,"

Xhaka experienced an almighty redemption story in north London, having previously been the target of criticism when he was stripped of the captain's armband after a public fall-out with the fanbase.

However, the arrival of Arteta saw a dramatic U-turn in the player's Arsenal career, with Xhaka establishing himself as one of the club's most important players during last season's title charge.

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Topics: Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Football, Bundesliga, Mikel Arteta

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno