Player of the year in Switzerland, Xhaka is "epic": It's all about mentality, I'm like red wine

Granit Xhaka has been chosen the player of the year in Switzerland for the third time in his career, thus confirming the good moment he is having with the German team of Bayer Leverkusen.

After winning the personal trophy, the former Arsenal player emphasized that he is very proud and happy to continue to be appreciated in Switzerland, while also adding that it has not been easy for him.

"Pride and pleasure. It is the reward for hard work every day. As a footballer you also have dark days, like what happened to me in London when a stadium with about 60 thousand fans insulted me.

I am now at Leverkusen, a good team with a great team spirit. We also have a fantastic coach like Xabi Alonso.

Although my wife is from Düsseldorf, she was against us leaving London. Of course, this made things even more difficult. However, it is not easy to leave this great city after seven years. Leverkusen offered me a long-term contract. And if things continue to go the way they have, it was definitely the right decision.

In England I learned a lot in terms of mentality. I'm 31 now, not the youngest. But I'm like red wine - always better."

Does this mean that the fans in Basel can hope for a return at the end of their career? "When my contract with Leverkusen ends, I will be almost 36 years old. Let's see if I still want to play football. But to play with Taulan again in the Basel jersey is a dream. And so far almost all my dreams have come true.

The title of champion in Germany or the European Championship? Eh, tough question! Let's put it this way: If I had one of the titles for sure, I would sign immediately", concluded Xhaka.

Happening now...

12:00 HAPPENING NOW

EMRAT/ Plagosja me armë në Mamurras, autorë dyshohen dy 18-vjeçarë

11:49 POLITICS

Nis seanca për Ballukun në GJKKO, zv.kryeministrja nuk paraqitet! Gazetarja: Vendimi i sotëm mund të vendosë një precedent të ri

11:31 POLITICS

"Ergys Agasi, a terrorist who took two people hostage", Berisha: Edi Rama's most intimate man is living peacefully and with state protection

11:30 SPORT

Shmangu turpërimin e Realit në Kupën e Mbretit, Mbape lumturon 3 tifozë të vegjël në fushën e blertë

11:19 POLITICS

After 1 hour of chaos in the Assembly, Berisha speaks after leaving the hall: Rama has decided to release Belinda Balluku

11:17 POLITICS

FOTO-LAJM/ Ujë, flakadanë dhe përplasje të dhunshme... Çfarë nuk u pa nga seanca e tensionuar sot në Kuvend?

11:06 POLITICS

Balluku akuzohet për shkelje të tenderave të Llogarasë dhe lotet e Unazës së Madhe, opozita i rrëzon karrigen dhe i djegin foton

11:03 POLITICS

Vokshi lights the fire, but is stopped by the guards/ The height of tensions in the Parliament! The media transmission fibers burst into flames

10:56 POLITICS

Distanced from Salianji?/ Grida Duma: Neither Edvin nor Ervin dare to tarnish my name! The DP must eliminate '2.0 pulpits'

10:55 POLITICS

Demokratët rrëzojnë karrigen e Belinda Ballukut, Klevis Balliu dhe Flamur Noka përjashtohen nga seanca

10:40 POLITICS

Endri Shabani takes the oath, thanks the SP and "gives a kiss" to the DP!

10:32 POLITICS

"Bring the thieves here"/ Screams and chaos in the Parliament, DP deputies light flares

10:23 POLITICS

VIDEO/ Incident and chaos in the Parliament, Klevis Balliu tries to climb on the table but falls on Albana Vokshi

10:12 POLITICS

Tensions in the Parliament, DP MPs occupy ministers' seats in the hall

Want to read more news