Granit Xhaka says move to Arsenal is a 'dream come true'
Sunday 29 May 2016 12:01, UK
Arsenal's new midfield signing Granit Xhaka has described his move to the Emirates as a "dream come true".
Xhaka became Arsene Wenger's first major signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when he completed a switch from German club Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Switzerland international is thought to have cost the Gunners around £30m - making him the third most expensive signing in Arsenal's history.
The 23 year-old, who has made over 100 Bundesliga appearances for Monchengladbach, says he is delighted to have completed his move to the Premier League ahead of this summer's European Championships in France.
"I feel good, now I'm happy to be a Gunner," Xhaka told Sky Sports News HQ reporter Gary Cotterill following Switzerland's friendly defeat to Belgium on Saturday.
"It's been a big week for me but now it's official and I'm very happy. Arsenal is a big club. I've seen the pitch, it's unbelievable. It was a dream for me and I'm happy now."
Former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou has backed his international team-mate to impress for Wenger's side next season and insists the midfielder is well-suited to English football.
"He's got the ability to play the Arsenal way; he's got this aggressiveness about him that will help him in the Premier League," said Djourou, who went on to compare Xhaka to Italy's legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
"He's a great ball player and a ball winner so I think in the midfield he could help a lot.
"He's got the ability to play very long balls and precise balls. He reminds me a bit of Pirlo, the way he plays."
Djourou also revealed that Xhaka had asked him about his own personal experience of playing at the Emirates and living in London.
"He asked me a lot of things about London and the club and I could only say great things about it because I had a good experience there," said Djourou.
"I think the people at the club are just amazing so I think he's going to have a great time."
