'WOULD'VE BIT IT OFF'
Granit Xhaka’s foot kissed by pitch invader during charity match but Arsenal fans mock it was actually a rival supporter
GRANIT XHAKA had his foot kissed by a pitch invader while playing in a charity match - but Arsenal fans are convinced it was actually a rival fan thanking him.
Gunners midfielder Xhaka, 26, whose parents are Albanian, was playing in a game to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Kosovo's liberation.
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But he was given special treatment over all others in the 67th minute when a fan ran on to the pitch to smooch his boot.
Incredibly, Xhaka - who has assured Arsenal he will not leave despite interest from Inter Milan - stood motionless as the man got onto all fours and kissed his right foot.
The sign of worship was turned into something else by Gunners fans though, who saw it as yet another chance to mock the unpopular star.
In response to the photo, one wrote: "Must be a rival fan."
Another said: "I would have bit it off."
One joked: "He paid for him to do this."
Others picked up on the team names, which made it look like a team of Xhakas were playing a team of Marcus Rashfords.
In fact, Xhaka was captain of a side taking on another led by Werder Bremen's Milot Rashica.
But in reply to one fan joking it was an XI made up of Xhakas, another quipped: "Game ended after just six minutes due to the entire 11 being sent off."
Xhaka posted a photo after the game with the caption: "The match at 'Fadil Vokrri' stadium had emotions, I admit I was teeming with joy from the support and love I receive from you."
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He is a hero in Kosovo - and especially capital Pristina, where the match was played - thanks to his heroics against Serbia.
Xhaka and Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri scored for Switzerland in the 2-1 World Cup win over Serbia last June.
The pair celebrated by performing the double-headed eagle, similar to the one on the Albanian flag, but escaped Fifa bans.
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