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Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka statement - "I reached boiling point"

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has released a statement after his angry reaction towards fans when ...



Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka s...
Soccer

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka statement - "I reached boiling point"

Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka has released a statement after his angry reaction towards fans when being substituted on Sunday.

The Swiss international says the scenes "moved" him deeply in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace.

He said abusive comments towards himself and his family at matches and on social media meant he had reached "boiling point".

The 27-year-old also said he got carried away and hopes everyone can move forward positively together.

"After taking some time to reflect on what happened on Sunday afternoon, I would like to give you an explanation rather than just a quick response.

"The scenes that took place around my substitution have moved me deeply. I love this club and always give 100% on and off the pitch."

Xhaka also said repeated hurtful abuse from fans both in person and on social media caused him to ultimately lose his cool.

"My feeling of not being understood by fans, and repeated abusive comments at matches and in social media over the last weeks and months have me deeply.

"People have said things like "We will break your legs", "Kill your wife" and "Wish that your daughter gets cancer".

"That has stirred me up and I reached boiling point when I felt the rejection in the stadium on Sunday."

He has also apologised to any fans who thought his actions disrespected them or the club.

"In this situation, I let myself be carried away and reacted in a way that disrespected the group of fans that support our club, our team and myself with positive energy.

"That has not been my intention and I'm sorry if that's what people thought.

"My wish is that we get back to a place of mutual respect, remembering why we fell in love with this game in the first place.

"Let's move forward positively together. Granit."

Unai Emery's Arsenal currently sit 5th in the Premier League table, with Wolves up next at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon.

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