Xhaka remembers when Zidane wiped his tears away

After two years, Granit Xhaka is back in England. Former Arsenal midfielder and captain signed for Premier League newcomers Sunderland after successful campaigns in Germany. He won the title with Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, but joined the mass exodus when the Spaniard left for Real Madrid. The Black Cats have started the campaign very good, and currently occupy the 9th spot. Xhaka’s experience is massive for the club full of new players and the Swiss international is enjoying his new club. He was recently asked which derby is he looking forward the most this season, he (un)surprisingly chose the famous Tyne and Wear derby between Newcastle and Sunderland and not his former club Arsenal.

“For sure, Newcastle first. I know how much it means for Sunderland, for the fans, for the football club, to have this derby. I've had many, many derbies in my career, but I hear this one will be maybe the craziest one I've had in my career, and I want to be there on the pitch, and to feel it, and just to enjoy the moment. Second is my ex-ex-club Arsenal, let's say, where I've been seven years, had seven fantastic years there. Even today, the contact is there, with the coaches, with the players, with the members of the club, and just the potential for everything. And, of course, Tottenham, because I had a derby as well - Arsenal, Tottenham, in the stadium, the atmosphere there. This is my ranking from one to three” said the Swiss.

Xhaka: Leaving Arsenal for Leverkusen wasn't a step back, but rather two steps forward

When it comes to favorite players, the situation was much more difficult. “Wow, it's already very difficult. I will put Zidane first, because I met him when I was 12 in a tournament. We lost with Basel... we went there for Basel, but for Switzerland, against Spain. And he was the guy who, when I was crying, he came to me and he wiped away my tears. So I really always remember that. After that, Luka Modric and Iniesta. A lot of respect for both, because unbelievable players. But maybe I go for Luka Modric and third, Iniesta. Maybe because of this Modric’s longevity as well, I put him now second, because it's unbelievable how fit he is. He's still playing for Croatia national team. Incredible. Game by game, had an amazing career, five times Champions League winner. A lot of respect to him, but same for Iniesta, what a career he did. Incredible. I can even put Iniesta first and change it, because all of them are amazing players” said Xhaka.