Interviews

Granit Xhaka admits: “I had been very close to joining Roma in the past.”

Andy Mattioli
DORTMUND, GERMANY - APRIL 21: Granit Xhaka of Bayer 04 Leverkusen is seen during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Signal Iduna Park on April 21, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kuegeler/Getty Images) (Photo by Leon Kuegeler/Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka recounted how he had been close to joining Roma in 2022 prior to his decision to return to Germany.

In an interview with TMW Radio, Xhaka admitted to having seen the deal to Roma collapse in the summer that Jose Mourinho was appointed as the Giallorossi’s manager.

“There’s nothing to hide, I was very close but it didn’t happen due to small details. Sometimes things happen, sometimes they don’t. I’m happy to be at Leverkusen and with the way things are going,” said the Swiss international.

“I consider myself lucky. I played in Germany years ago and then in the Premier League but I don’t like comparing the various championships. They all have strengths and weaknesses. I was lucky to have this career. The present today is Bayer and I am very happy.”

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