'Amazing person': Bukayo Saka lauds Granit Xhaka after what former Arsenal star did after England's win
07/07/2024 01:45 AM
Bukayo Saka has lauded Granit Xhaka and praised how his former Arsenal teammate conducted himself after England knocked Switzerland out of Euro 2024 on Saturday.
It is England who will feature in the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday, with Bukayo Saka scoring late on for the Three Lions before they edged the penalty shootout. Saka was one of those to beat Yann Sommer in the shootout after an outstanding performance from the Arsenal man.
It is agony for Switzerland who have been superb this summer, with one of their stars proving to be one of the players of the tournament so far. Of course, that player is Granit Xhaka, who has had an unbelievable 12 months with Bayer Leverkusen and his country.
Xhaka has received all kinds of plaudits for his performances since leaving Arsenal, having left the Emirates after completely changing the perceptions of fans and pundits alike.
Bukayo Saka lauds Granit Xhaka after England knock Switzerland out of Euro 2024
Xhaka was excellent again on Saturday, despite appearing to play with an injury. Unsurprisingly, Saka was extremely impressed by his performance, but just as taken aback by the class that he showed once England had booked their ticket to the semi-final.
"He has had an incredible season, I think he has won enough trophies already. I think he is an amazing player, an amazing person. Even after they lost, the humility he showed to come and shake our hands. He is a top guy and I wish him all the best," he said.
Midfielder shows why he was so important to Mikel Arteta
The way Xhaka has led with both Leverkusen and Switzerland certainly shows why Mikel Arteta valued him so highly for several years. Even when not wearing the armband, Xhaka was clearly a real leader within the ranks and played such a key role in Arsenal moving themselves back into title contention.
It is a shame that he did not hang around to see the job through, but he will clearly have no regrets about his decision to move to the Bundesliga after what has been a historic season for Xabi Alonso’s men.
Sadly for the Swiss, it proved to be an agonising end to a fantastic tournament showing.
