Granit Xhaka’s goal celebration for Arsenal was meant to silence his critics in Switzerland

GRANIT XHAKA’S goal celebration for Arsenal was to silence his critics in Switzerland – not a dig at Arsene Wenger.

Xhaka struck a brilliant long-range effort as the Gunners secured a 4-1 win over ten-man Hull on Saturday.

Reuters

The £35million midfielder responded by holding his finger to his lips, making it clear he was proving a point to someone.

Some Arsenal fans thought the gesture was aimed at manager Wenger for continually leaving him out of the starting line-up in recent games.

Getty Images

But the celebration was actually targeted to those back in Switzerland who have been on his back for his remarks about playing for Albania.

Xhaka was born in Switzerland to Kosovo Albanian parents, though as he grew up he has always represented the Swiss at football.

His brother Taulant is also a professional football who represents Albania - and there has been much speculation over whether Granit sees himself as Swiss or Albanian.

EPA

In a recent television interview, the 23-year-old admitted he is proud of his Albanian heritage and said he would be proud to play football for the country.

That drew criticism from some in Switzerland, who took his statement to mean he wasn't proud to play for the nation.

Reuters

Xhaka was already the subject of questions in the country after he missed a penalty in the shoot-out exit from Euro 2016 to Poland.

But he has insisted his future remains as a Swiss player and his gesture after his strike against Hull was a public show of defiance to all those in his home country who have attacked him.

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