Tuesday 31 May 2016 11:58, UK
Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer admits the sale of Granit Xhaka to Arsenal is a huge loss for the Bundesliga club.
Xhaka has already completed a transfer to the Gunners and Sommer knows he is now only going to play with his compatriot on international duty for Switzerland.
Without the 23-year-old in the Gladbach midfield next season, Sommer says things will not be the same - on and off the field.
"His departure is a huge loss for us because Xhaka is not just very important as a player, but also as a person," Sommer told sport1.de. "You can see that he is the one pulling the strings in midfield and our game would often run through him.
"He was the one creating our game and it's always hard when you lose such an important personality. Now we've got to find a new playmaker, but I'm sure Borussia will do a good job and soon present our new Granit Xhaka."
Meanwhile, Sommer has ruled out following Xhaka out of the Borussia door this summer.
"I'm not giving such thing any thought whatsoever," he said. "Rumours are just rumours, and that is how they will stay.
"I'm very happy at Borussia and am looking forward to the new season.
"I've only been here for two years and I've still got three years on my contract so there's no room for such thoughts."
