Arsenal midfielder Xhaka has no plans to curb his aggression
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has refused to “pull out” of any tackles despite a warning from boss Arsene Wenger.
Following a 2-1 victory over Burnley in January, Wenger was forced to admit that Xhaka was “punishing” the Gunners with his poor discipline.
The 24-year-old has been sent off twice and picked up eight bookings in his 33 appearances for Arsenal this season since his £34million move from Borussia Moenchengladbach in the summer.
Xhaka was asked in an interview with Swiss newspaper Blick whether he would now think twice before making a tackle, he replied: “No way.
“I have analysed my dismissals and many fouls have happened before the halfway line – 60 to 70 meters from our goal.
“That’s too far away. That has to stop. But I don’t go out on the pitch and pull out of a tackle.”
And the Swiss international has no plans to soften up his play.
“That’s my game,” he said.
“If I’m taken away from that, I’m not the same.”