Two former Arsenal players have now reached out to Granit Xhaka after Switzerland beat Italy at Euro 2024.
Switzerland outclassed Italy on Saturday, as they beat the holders 2-0, knocking them out of the competition, and securing their own place in the quarter-finals.
Switzerland were by far the better side in Berlin. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas either side of half-time confirmed the well-deserved result.
Ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka featured in the middle of the park for Switzerland, and maintained the impressive form he has produced at the tournament so far.
Xhaka has already joined legends such as Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo on a leaderboard of icons when it comes to who has earned the most Man of the Match awards at European Championships.
The 31-year-old has a habit of impressing in this competition, and he is the glue that holds this Switzerland team together on the pitch.
Arsenal fans could perhaps be forgiven for rueing Mikel Arteta’s decision to sell Xhaka last summer, particularly as he had just produced his most impressive season for the North London club. Even in domestic terms, he has gone from strength to strength since leaving the Emirates Stadium, as his first campaign with Bayer Leverkusen ended with him winning a league and cup double.
Xhaka remains supportive of Arsenal, and it is impossible not to wonder if had he been at the club last season, when Thomas Partey was sidelined with injury for so long, if he might have been able to get the Gunners over the line to becoming Premier League champions.
Former Arsenal duo Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos contact Granit Xhaka
Johan Djourou and Philippe Senderos are both former centre-backs who once plied their trade for Arsenal and represented Switzerland at international level.
Having now both hung up their boots, they are supporting their nation at Euro 2024 from the sidelines.
After the win over Italy, Xhaka took to Instagram to post: “What a win. What a feeling. What a TEAM!”
Djourou replied, saying: “The king! what a game Brudi.”
Senderos also reached out, sending an emoji of the Swiss flag and a red heart. This is not the first time that the ex-Arsenal man has contacted Xhaka during this Euros tournament.
Switzerland will now contest their quarter-final on Saturday, July 6th, with their opponent yet to be confirmed.
Arteta has Arsenal stars in Marbella whilst Bukayo Saka struggles at Euro 2024
In this week’s episode, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani discussed England’s recent poor performances at the European Championships. With Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka receiving mixed reviews for England so far, Gareth Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned.
There was some talk about the members of the Arsenal squad currently on a surprise training camp with Mikel Arteta in Marbella, as well as a brief look at how Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are getting on at the Copa America with Brazil.