Granit Xhaka ‘would think twice’ about taking back Arsenal captaincy if offered it again after ‘f*** off’ fan row

GRANIT XHAKA has admitted that he would be reluctant to take back the Arsenal captaincy on a permanent basis if he was offered it.

The Swiss International was stripped of the armband by former manager Unai Emery after telling fans to "f*** off" back in November.

The midfielder reacted angrily towards supporters that booed him off the pitch as he was substituted during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Xhaka was also dropped by Emery and looked to be on his way out of the club before finding favour under new boss Mikel Arteta.

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Speaking for the first time about the ordeal, the 27-year-old revealed his fears that he had played his last game for Arsenal.

He told : “Of course, I don’t lie. There was a moment, because it was not easy for me and my family. I hope people understand this.

“But I think I showed my character. I am not a guy who runs away. I always say to the club, ‘When I [am] here, I am ready to give everything’. It was like this always.

I know with or without the armband what I can give the team. If one day the club asks me about the armband, I have to think twice

Granit Xhaka

"I train very hard and that things turned around is the key. This [has given me] the most happiness."

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has since been awarded the club captaincy, with Hector Bellerin serving as vice.

However, Xhaka has worn the armband since returning to the first team, reluctantly taking on the mantle with both teammates off the pitch, ironically in the final stages of last month's 1-1 draw at Palace.

He added: “I know with or without the armband what I can give the team.

“But in this moment [against Palace] I don’t want to take the armband back, but Sokratis [Papastathopoulos] and David [Luiz] told me I have to take it.

“If one day the club asks me about the armband, I have to think twice.”