This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.
Granit Xhaka, the 27-year-old Swiss international midfielder, has been at the center of controversy after a public run-in with Arsenal fans.
On November 2, Xhaka mouthed an obscenity at a section of Gunners fans jeering him when he was substituted in the Premier League match with Crystal Palace.
Manager Unai Emery subsequently decided that Xhaka could no longer carry on as captain, a role he was given after a secret ballot of the players.
However, Xhaka has told Swiss newspaper Blick that he will not be leaving the club, despite the backlash from fans.
"You can be sure that I'll keep fighting and putting myself out there in every training session," Xhaka said.
"I feel last week has been dealt with and I'm ready," he added.
Xhaka has had a fractious relationship with Arsenal supporters since his arrival from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2016, costing the Premier League side a fee reported to be £38 million ($49 million).
"My time at Arsenal has been very positive for a long time. After a difficult start, I played a lot and overall I've had a great time at Arsenal," Xhaka said.
"My family and I also feel very well in the city of London," he added.
Despite the abuse he received, Xhaka said it was counter-productive for the whole team's morale.
"Insulting and swearing at your own captain will cause upset and a bad atmosphere for the team you are actually supposed to be supporting. That makes no sense to me and weakens the team's spirit," Xhaka said.
