Why was Granit Xhaka stripped of Arsenal captaincy? Midfielder prospering for Gunners after remarkable career redemption following clash with fans

Granit Xhaka has played a massive part in Arsenal’s incredible season so far as they compete for the Premier League title. 

Xhaka is being deployed in a more advanced role by Mikel Arteta this campaign, leading to more goal involvement than ever before. 

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The midfielder has prospered under Arteta and his redemption has been remarkable after it seemed his career with the Gunners was all but over four years ago.

Why was Xhaka stripped of the Arsenal captaincy? 

Xhaka lost his role as Arsenal captain only a month after being named skipper following a clash with the home fans at the Emirates. 

After being substituted during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in 2019, the Swiss international was booed off the pitch. 

He then responded to the fans by waving his arms and cupping his ears towards them, seemingly swearing as he left the field. 

Following his withdrawal from the game, he then threw off his shirt and walked straight down the tunnel.

Xhaka was already a divisive figure in the Premier League which had led to some criticism of his performances and aggressive nature. 

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However, the midfielder later revealed how out of hand the abuse had gotten with threats towards his family being received. 

Posting on Instagram a few days after the incident, he explained why he had the outburst as he was booed off the pitch. 

He wrote: "The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and will always give 100% on and off the pitch.

“My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and on social media over the last weeks and months have hurt me deeply. 

"People have said things like 'We will break your legs', 'Kill your wife' and 'Wish that your daughter gets cancer'.

"That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday."

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After internal discussions, Xhaka was stripped of the captaincy by manager Unai Emery and his time at the club seemed to be destined for an end. 

But against all the odds, he and the fans repaired their relationship and the midfielder has prospered for Arsenal ever since. 

Speaking last season, he even admitted that he would be happy to be captain again if the opportunity arose. 

“I will never say never,” he said. “A captain of Arsenal can be without an armband and I am trying to lead the game and the players without the armband. 

“But if tomorrow someone from the football club comes and asks if I want to take it I will be here because I know I am ready again to do it.”

And this campaign, Xhaka has played a key part in the Gunners’ title charge while sometimes taking the armband when Martin Odegaard is not on the pitch. 

His redemption at the club has now made him somewhat of a fan favourite and he looks to be a mainstay in Arteta’s side.