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Granit Xhaka reveals why he decided to leave Arsenal to 'face a new challenge' and how he didn't want to leave to a Premier League rival... as he praises Mikel Arteta's 'incredible' style as a manager

Former Arsenal skipper Granit Xhaka has opened up on his decision to leave the club before heaping praise on his former boss Mikel Arteta.

The midfielder had a public falling out with the crowd at the Emirates during his time at the club, but came back to become a vital player for Arteta last season.

Speaking to Spanish news outlet Marca, Xhaka revealed the tough decision to leave Arsenal but admitted that he was seeking a new chapter.

He said: 'I spent seven magnificent years at Arsenal, I didn't want to play against them.