---
title: "Granit Xhaka hits back at Stephane Henchoz following criticism"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2018/09/08/granit-xhaka-hits-back-at-stephane-henchoz-following-criticism/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Arsenal News"
published: "2018-09-08T11:38:18Z"
modified: "2018-09-08T11:38:18Z"
---

# Granit Xhaka hits back at Stephane Henchoz following criticism

Granit Xhaka has hit back at criticism from Stephane Henchoz, where the former Liverpool defender suggested the Arsenal midfielder would be a divisive choice to captain Switzerland due to his Albanian heritage, [football.london](https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/news/xhaka-henchoz-latest-arsenal-news-15125323) report.

Gunners team mate Stephan Lichtsteiner is currently the national captain, however, with the full back edging closer on calling time on his international career, discussions have begun on who should take over from the defender.

When asked by Blick about the possibility of Xhaka becoming the next Swiss captain, Henchoz, who represented Switzerland between 1993 and 2006, admitted his concern.

> He’s a regular player at Arsenal, but I think a captain must represent Switzerland and the team.

> This would be a real problem. Players like \[Yann\] Sommer, Lichtsteiner or \[Fabian\] Schar, who represent traditional Switzerland, could feel excluded, just like fans who might not be able to identify with the team.

Xhaka, who has been a regular under new boss Unai Emery so far, has since responded to Henchoz’s comments, admitting he felt hurt by the former Blackburn and Reds defender.

![Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1026146532.jpg)

> Professional allegations don’t bother me, but it gets bad when those people accuse me of not representing Switzerland properly.

> It hurts! I would be lying if I said anything else. I was born and raised in Switzerland.

> The fact that I have two hearts in my chest is a fact, which, by the way, I cannot help either.

> But I’ve been wearing the colours of this country, my home, for almost nine years!

Both Xhaka and Lichtsteiner are expected to feature for the Swiss in their opening UEFA Nations League game against Iceland on Saturday, and could both appear in the friendly against England on Tuesday.