This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
Granit Xhaka's tenure as Arsenal captain has come to an end, with Unai Emery confirming the decision on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old midfielder was involved in a heated confrontation with home fans during the Gunners' 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on October 27.
Emery stated, 'I had a meeting with him and told him he is no longer in the captain's group,' adding, 'He accepted my decision. I needed to take a decision and now it's closed.'
Since the incident, Xhaka has not played for the team and has been left out of Arsenal's squad for their Europa League game against Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal on Wednesday.
Emery had previously suggested that Xhaka should apologize to the club's supporters, but the Swiss midfielder refused to go that far, stating that he got 'carried away' and reacted 'disrespectfully' to fans.
On Instagram, Xhaka expressed his feelings, saying, 'The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and always give 100% on and off the pitch.'
He also shared his experience of facing abusive comments from fans, stating, '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.'
Xhaka joined Arsenal in 2016 for a £35m transfer fee from Borussia Monchengladbach and has played in several high-profile matches, including the 2017 FA Cup final and the 2018 League Cup final.
Emery's decision to strip Xhaka of the captaincy comes as Arsenal prepares to face Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.
