Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka admits he is ‘proud’ to hear positive feedback about him from Jose Mourinho

Granit Xhaka admits he is ‘proud’ to hear positive feedback about him from Jose Mourinho but cools talk about a move to Roma as Arsenal midfielder insists he is ‘100 per cent focused’ on Switzerland’s Euro 2020 campaign

  • Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move from Arsenal to Jose Mourinho’s Roma 
  • The 28-year-old midfielder admits he is aware of the rumoured transfer interest 
  • Xhaka claims he is focused on Switzerland’s European Championships campaign
  • The Swiss player admits he feels proud about positive feedback from Mourinho
  • The Roma boss has called Xhaka a ‘leader’ and Arsenal’s main man in the past 
  • Find out the latest Euro 2020 news including fixtures, live action and results here.

Granit Xhaka admits he feels ‘proud’ to hear Jose Mourinho’s positive feedback about him amid a potential Roma transfer – as the iconic Portuguese boss ‘knows how to win titles’.

The Arsenal midfielder has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian capital this summer, with reports saying Roma have opened talks with the 28-year-old over a potential summer move before the European Championships kick off. 

While Xhaka claims he is totally focused on the summer international tournament with Switzerland, who he captains, the midfielder admits he has read about Roma’s rumoured interest in him.

Granit Xhaka admits he feels ‘proud’ when hearing he has been linked to Jose Mourinho’s Roma

Xhaka has been linked to Mourinho's (above) Roma after Arsenal failed to qualify for Europe

Xhaka has been linked to Mourinho’s (above) Roma after Arsenal failed to qualify for Europe

The Arsenal man told Blick: ‘Of course I read (about the interest). But now I’m 100 per cent focused on the national team here. 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.’ 

Reports claim Xhaka, who enjoys a mixed relationship with Gunners supporters, wants to leave Arsenal this summer after the north Londoners failed to qualify for European football for the first time in 25 years.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal finished in eighth-place once again in the Premier League table and failed to win the Europa League, FA Cup or Carabao Cup. 

When asked about a move, Xhaka said he is only focused on Switzerland's Euro 2020 bid

When asked about a move, Xhaka said he is only focused on Switzerland’s Euro 2020 bid

Roma boss Mourinho, who signed with the Giallorossi earlier this month shortly after being sacked by Tottenham, was full or praise for the Swiss midfielder when discussing him back in 2019.

The Portuguese manager told reporters that year: ‘Xhaka is the main man in the entire Arsenal midfield, you can’t see it unless I lend you one of my eyes. 

‘Without him, Arsenal is lost. He is a leader. Remember, mistakes are made by humans.’  

Mourinho (left) has previously described Xhaka (right) as a 'leader' and Arsenal's 'main man'

Mourinho (left) has previously described Xhaka (right) as a ‘leader’ and Arsenal’s ‘main man’

Xhaka admits he is not aware of these comments by Mourinho – but says he enjoys hearing praise like this from such a respected figure in the game.

The midfielder added: ‘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. You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.’

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk