Granit Xhaka prepares for life after football as former Arsenal star becomes head of fashion brand

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EX-ARSENAL star Granit Xhaka has swapped football for fashion – by heading up a clothing brand.

The Swiss midfielder spent seven years with the Gunners, captaining the side and winning two FA Cups.

He joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023, and has since won the Bundesliga title and German Cup.

Xhaka, 32, co-founded the Grajo streetwear label two years ago. He has now taken full charge of the company.

The Switzerland international said: “We have agreed that I will take complete control, and go full steam into the future.

“I have turned the company’s focus more towards my own vision. Besides streetwear, we have customers who favour a more elegant style.

“There is a broad spectrum from comfort to stylishness. I offer my new collections to my Leverkusen teammates.

“Their reactions have been positive. Many of them like the styles, and are happy to wear the clothes.

“At present we sell online, as that is the best way to bring our collections direct to the public, but this is only the start.

“I can foresee us opening shops as well. Social media plays a central role, and I want us to become established in both Europe and the USA.

“I am learning new ways of manufacturing the clothes. It’s really interesting for me to see.

“I have always lived for fashion, and all the more so now with my own!

“My wife Leonita supports my fashion and style completely. That means a lot to me.”

Xhaka made 297 Arsenal appearances, scoring 23 goals, following a £35million move from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016.

The Basel-born ace has since gone on to break Switzerland‘s caps record, scoring 14 times in 135 games.