“I’m a huge Arsenal fan”- When Andy Murray messaged Roger Federer and sarcastically called Granit Xhaka ‘GOAT’ after landing in Basel
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The three-time Grand Slam champion from Great Britain has shed the “boring” reputation he was bestowed at the beginning of his tennis career. Andy Murray described the interaction he had with Roger Federer upon arrival in Basel for this week’s ATP 500 tournament, demonstrating that he is quite the joker. Federer and Granit Xhaka both are from Basel.
The world No 49 is playing the Swiss Indoors for the first time since 2005 while this year marks the first edition of the tournament since Federer ended his career during last month’s Laver Cup. Murray is back at the Swiss Indoors Basel for the first time in 17 years as he takes on Roman Safiullin in the first round on Tuesday.
Speaking to Aargauer Zeitung, he said: “I messaged Roger, when I landed in Basel and I said: ‘I just touched down in the city of one of the world’s greatest ever athletes: Granit Xhaka’. I know that Granit Xhaka is from here, I’m a huge Arsenal fan. Xhaka is playing really, really well this season. He scored another wonderful goal on Sunday.”
Xhaka has thrived in a new role under Mikel Arteta, playing in a more advanced position on the left of midfield, and becoming more involved in the attacking side of the game. The Swiss international now has four goals and three assists to his name across all competitions this season, ranking as the second top scorer at the club with his latest strike against Southampton on Sunday.
Granit Xhaka is now one of the most beloved players at Arsenal this season
The Swiss midfielder’s comeback at Arsenal is truly incredible. At the Emirates Stadium, he was the top enemy of the people before becoming one of the heroes on the terraces. His outstanding performance against Southampton was the most recent illustration of his development into a more capable number eight for Mikel Arteta.
The 30-year-old, who is now one of the more experienced players at Arsenal, will be crucial in aiding the Gunners in recovering from a disappointing stalemate against Southampton. They must first prepare for a challenging trip to PSV in the Europa League before they can respond in the Premier League against bottom-of-the-league Nottingham Forest.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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