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Unai Emery admits Granit Xhaka is ‘devastated’ over Arsenal saga - ‘He knows he was wrong’
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has admitted that Gunners captain Granit Xhaka is "devastated" after the events at the Emirates Stadium against Crystal Palace, but he confirmed that Xhaka has trained with the squad as normal.
Arsenal: Xhaka was 'wrong' to swear at fans says Emery
Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed that Granit Xhaka is "devastated" after being booed by his own fans during the match against Crystal Palace.
The captain reacted to ironic cheers from the crowd when it was revealed that he would be substituted.
He sarcastically gestured to the fans to be louder with their criticism, before cupping his hand to his ear.
He then mouthed "f*** off" to the crowd, before taking off his shirt and storming down the tunnel.
He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about that situation
"It’s not easy for him and for the team," said Emery. "He is now devastated, sad. We spoke yesterday and Sunday night and this morning.
“He trained normally with the group but he is devastated. He is sad about that situation.
“His commitment is great every time. He wants to help. His behaviour was perfect in training, with the group and club. Really he knows he was wrong.
“He feels inside, very deep. It’s normal as a human. Every player needs the supporters’ support."
Xhaka didn't necessarily have a poor match against Palace, but fans grew tired of watching the Switzerland international walk slowly off the pitch.
He threw his captain's armband toward team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and then slowly trudged toward the touchline, when Arsenal were looking for a winning goal.
Fans have become split over the incident, with some suggesting that Xhaka should never play for the club again despite being skipper.
But, others have shown some sympathy toward the midfielder, and have insisted that fans should never boo their own players.
Granit Xhaka 'should never wear shirt again' says pundit
Emery sent the Arsenal fans a message after the incident, insisting that the club needs the fans to be behind the players.
“We need them. We need to be strong inside,” he said. “We need to transmit that connection with them.
“Before we won a special and different match with very good connection with the supporters. Our challenge is to improve our control of the game, to play better in our style.
“We have players and capacity with that improvement to add better results for the next matches.”