Granit Xhaka insists he wants to stay with Arsenal.

Despite being stripped of the club captaincy, the Swiss midfielder is adamant he sees his future with the Gunners.

He told Blick: "For me, looking back it's been very positive for a long time. After a difficult start, I played a lot and overall I've had a great time at Arsenal.

"My family and I also feel very well in the city of London. The events of the last week don't change that at all. I'll continue to stay positive, give my all to an even greater extent and prove that I'm an important part of this great team."

Recalling his blow-up with fans during the draw with Crystal Palace, Xhaka admits he was hurt by the reaction of his own fans.

He said, "When my shirt number lit up on the fourth official's panel and our own fans broke into gleeful jubilation, that hit me very hard and really upset me. It was very hurtful and frustrating. I can't understand a reaction like that even now, especially the vehemence of it and the extreme hostility directed against me."

Xhaka continued, "As far back as I can remember, fans have always been part of my sport. And right from the start I've had a lot of respect for the fans' enthusiasm and the hardships they endure to support us players. Their criticism, when it's fair, makes you grow as an athlete. And the power and energy that they contribute to the game makes every athlete love football even more. I feel like I'm part of a big football family.

"But at a time you are already experiencing a lot of hostility and your own football family insults you, it hurts a lot. I don't mean to say that I can't take criticism. If the team and I don't play well, we have to listen and work on it. But insulting and swearing at your own captain will cause upset and a bad atmosphere for the team you are actually supposed to be supporting. That makes no sense to me and weakens the team's spirit."