Back to the International Newsfeed

'Xhaka deserves a lot of respect' - Vieira feels sorry for former Arsenal captain

Former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira admits he feels sorry for Granit Xhaka and backed the midfielder to bounce back from recent drama.

Xhaka was stripped of the Gunners captaincy after reacting angry to Arsenal fans last month, with coach Unai Emery conceding his future at the Emirates is now uncertain.

While many have criticised Xhaka for his behaviour, Vieira sympathised with the Switzerland international, stressing he deserves more respect than what he's been getting.

“I feel sorry for him because he (was) the captain and he’s going through a really difficult period and really difficult time at Arsenal,” Vieira told British media.