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Kolasinac - How Xhaka's message helped me

After an eye-catching performance in the Community Shield, Sead Kolasinac is already well on his way to becoming a firm fan favourite.

The Bosnia international is settling in well to life in London, and he credits an old adversary, Granit Xhaka, for making the transition so smooth.

“What made things easier [when I arrived] was that I had a lot of players here with whom I could speak to in German,” Kolasinac told Arsenal Player. 

“There are a few players who have helped me with things like where to live, where to go out in the evening. The team have really helped me.

“After I signed, Granit sent me a message and that pleased me. It made it easier to come here because you get to a new club and don’t know anyone, which makes it exciting and nerve-wracking. 

“It was nice to have had contact with him before and I was happy that he sent me a message. I’ve had contact with him over WhatsApp since, and it definitely made things easier for me.

“We’ve played against each other a few times [in the past]. They were always fiery encounters against him! He played in the No 6 role and I think the last time I played against him, we unfortunately lost. But after he left, we won against Gladbach again.”