Arsenal midfielder Xhaka has no plans to curb his aggression

Joe Williams

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.”