Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta joked “don’t take it personally” after mocking Granit Xhaka’s ill-discipline.
Xhaka regularly finds his name making its way into a referee’s book having earnt a reputation for doing the dirty work for the Gunners. Since joining the club in 2016, he has picked up 69 yellow and five red cards.
There was nearly a sixth sending off for him back in March when Arsenal travelled to face Aston Villa in the Premier League. The midfielder was booked after a coming together with Emi Buendia, but managed to avoid seeing red.
READ MORE: Granit Xhaka says ‘everyone knows’ why he stayed at Arsenal having had ‘suitcases ready’
As seen in episode seven of All or Nothing: Arsenal, which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video this Thursday (August 18), Arteta pointed out the situation in his post-match debrief.
He showed a stock photo of a referee holding up a red card on the big screen and said: “Remember what I said about discipline.”
After the Arsenal squad, including Xhaka, broke into laughter, Arteta continued: “Okay Granit, so don’t take it personally because you only got a yellow and you could’ve been sent off in this game. So don’t cry so much after the game when that happens.”
Who is the Premier League’s dirtiest player? Let us know in the comments section.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Despite the teasing, Arteta and Xhaka have formed a solid relationship in recent years. Before the Spaniard’s arrival, the Switzerland international was on the verge of leaving the Emirates.
And Xhaka credits Arteta as the reason why he stayed. He told Daily Star Sport: “He is the guy why I’m still at this football club. All of the club know that.
“Three years ago I was gone. My suitcases were finished, I had a meeting and Mikel came. He wanted to hear my opinion of what happened. I explained to him, and I said to Mikel I remember this exactly, I said Mikel this had nothing to do with you.
(Image: Getty Images)
“I never played with him of course I knew about him by name but not as a person. I said Mikel I’m gone I can’t wear the shirt anymore. He said give me a chance for six months.
“He said if you’re still not happy after six months I’m the guy to help you, not run away but you can leave. I said okay. I will stay for you.”
Xhaka has become a crucial component of Arteta’s rebuild, with his experienced head essential in an otherwise very youthful Gunners squad.
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