Granit Xhaka, an Arsenal midfielder, has insisted he doesn’t require the captain’s armband, which he lost almost three years ago, to be a leader within the team.
Xhaka was appointed captain of Arsenal by Unai Emery a few weeks into the 2019–20 season after serving as captain of Borussia Monchengladbach at age 22.
A few weeks later, however, his infamous response to fan jeers after being replaced in a game against Crystal Palace caused him to lose the armband just barely before he had earned it.
After that incident, Xhaka was determined to leave, but he has since revived his Arsenal career and is adamant that he is still a leader.
Xhaka, who was determined to leave after that incident, has since resurrected his Arsenal career and insists he is still a leader.
“Of course, you don’t need [the captaincy to lead],” he told The Athletic, even suggesting that having a number of leaders beyond new skipper Martin Odegaard is of great benefit to the squad.
“Everyone can see the leaders in this team. Of course, you need a captain for the team when we need him. But I don’t believe a lot in the armband. At the moment I have a feeling that it’s not only one, but a lot of people who are so good in this team who can speak with and they will help you. This is what makes a big difference at the moment.”
