Arsenal’s Xhaka honoured every time he represents Switzerland

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka revealed he still feels goosebumps when he pulls on the red of Switzerland.

Growing up in Switzerland to Albanian parents with Kosovan roots, Xhaka had a tough decision to make regarding his international football but opted to play for Switzerland – making his debut against England in 2011.

And 50 caps later, Xhaka still feels the honour of representing the country of his birth and will hope to make an impact when Switzerland take on Latvia in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

“I’m really proud,” said the 24-year-old. “What’s important is that we all get on, that we all respect each other.

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“In the Swiss national team we have players with links to many different countries, maybe people who don’t just have Swiss roots. That’s why it’s very important that we respect each other, and that really works well in our team.

“Switzerland is my home, it’s where I was born and grew up, but I will never forget my parents’ roots. My blood is Albanian and nobody can take that away from me.

“I’m grateful for what Switzerland has done for my parents, for us. You can’t forget that. As I said, I was born and grew up there.

“I went to school there, I took my first steps there – both in football and in my private life. It will always be my home.”