Granit Xhaka has revealed that it is so much fun to play alongside his new team-mates and is thrilled with the way his Arsenal career has started, as per the Gunners official website.
The Swiss International is starting to establish himself in the Gunners first team since his arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer transfer window.
The midfielder, who cost the North London club £30m(Sky Sports) has shown promising signs in central midfield for Arsenal and was again impressive as he helped the Gunners beat Basel 4-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old star admits that he is thoroughly enjoying life at the Emirates following his summer switch to the club while also acknowledging that it’s a great experience playing for a big club.
Speaking to the Arsenal’s official website after the midweek Champions League game, he said:
It’s a good experience, a nice experience.
Arsenal is a very big club and it’s so much fun to play alongside my team-mates. I’m really happy here.
I came home after five years. Here at Basel is where I made my first professional steps, I came up and grew up through the FC Basel school.
Tonight I played against my brother for the third time [too], and it’s always special to play against him.
Wenger has used Xhaka rather sparingly in the initial part of the season, but his limited game time has been to help him learn the and get accustomed to Premier League football.
The midfielder’s recent performances do indicate the beginnings of a successful settling in process. He is now becoming a regular starter in the heart of the Arsenal midfield, has established himself as a physical, towering presence, a role that he was ultimately signed for in the summer.
The enjoyment of Xhaka early in his career in North London is vitally important. Especially for new players coming to an unfamiliar squad, an unfamiliar city and an unfamiliar league, being happy eases the friction.
Hopefully, Arsenal’s big money signing this summer can live up to the high expectations and continue to grow.
