Arsenal forward, Eddie Nketiah, has admitted that midfielder Granit Xhaka will be missed at the club following his departure from Emirates.
Nketiah also said that Xhaka was an important figure on and off the pitch for Arsenal.
Xhaka recently left Arsenal for German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen this summer after seven seasons at the North London club.
The 30-year-old Swiss played 297 matches for the Premier League giants.
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Speaking to the media after Arsenal’s pre-season friendly 1-1 draw with Nurnberg on Thursday, Nketiah said: “What a guy, a big miss for the club. He had a fantastic season last year.
“You see a lot of what he does on the pitch but off the pitch he is so important for all of us. He gives us a lot of confidence. He is a really good and honest guy. We wish him nothing but the best in Germany.”
Nketiah’s first pre-season tour was the 2017 trip to Australia during Arsene Wenger’s tenure.
Now entering a different point in his career, he is making sure to take the role of ‘big brother’ for those taking their first steps with Mikel Arteta’s first team.
“I speak to them all quite a lot,” he said. “I remember being in that situation. I’m not old myself, but I’ve played a few seasons now so it’s just about giving them confidence.
“They all have quality otherwise they wouldn’t be here, so I try to remind them of that and give them the confidence to express themselves. They all did well when they came on even if it was a tough game, I think they showed flashes of the quality they have.”
Alongside the anticipation of the new Premier League season starting with a settled squad, Arsenal are gearing up for a return to Champions League football.
This will be their first time back among Europe’s elite since the 2016-17 season and while patience is key, excitement is building.
“We’re focusing on the here and now but it’s every kid’s dream to play in the Champions League — mine included,” Nketiah added.
“I’m really looking forward to those nights. I want to prepare well in pre-season so I’m ready for those kinds of games when they come up. It’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal player and hopefully we can have a great season.”
