Granit Xhaka: I am proud Roma boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign me from Arsenal

Martin Macdonald

• 31 May 2021 09:27 BST
• 2 min read

Granit Xhaka says he is proud that Jose Mourinho allegedly wants to sign him for Roma from Arsenal this summer.

The 28-year-old was part of an overall dismal campaign for the Gunners this past season which saw them finish eighth in the table and miss out on European football for the first time in a quarter of a century.

READ MORE: Arsenal’s Guendouzi agrees terms with Marseille over possible move

Xhaka is never too far away from criticism, even at the times when he is one of the club’s more consistent performers.

At the moment he is with the Switzerland national team preparing for the upcoming European Championships, and as such wasn’t particularly open when asked about a transfer away from Arsenal.

“Of course I read [about the interest]. But now I’m one 100 per cent focused on the national team here,” Xhaka told Blick.

“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”

Mourinho’s interest in Xhaka

Reports emerged last week that Mourinho was extremely interested in bringing Xhaka to Serie A with his new club Roma, having been appointed new head coach of the Giallorossi shortly after being sacked by Tottenham.

Though Xhaka played it cool again when discussing the interest from Mourinho directly, he says it is a source of pride that such a legendary coach had made him a transfer target.

“To be honest, I didn’t hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud. Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles,” he added.

“You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.”

Switzerland are in Group A of the European Championships alongside Italy, Turkey and Wales, with Xhaka set to play a key role for Vladimir Petkovic’s side this summer.