Granit Xhaka was back on familiar turf on Monday night.
Our summer signing from Borussia Monchengladbach started his career with Basel before moving to the Bundesliga in 2012 and then on to north London.
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Granit made his name with his hometown club, winning two Swiss titles and the Swiss cup after climbing through the youth ranks alongside his older brother Taulant.
The brothers could meet on the pitch on Tuesday night and Granit took a trip down memory lane at his pre-match press conference.
“I do feel very, very well [being here],” he said. “I was born and raised here in Basel.
“I played in the youth team, and had two-and-a-half great years here winning the championship.
“What comes to my mind was the [Champions League] game against Manchester United [in 2011/12]. It was a real highlight for the fans, for the club and for the city to see United being sent home.
“Back then [with Basel] I was 19 so I learned my lessons, and I've learned many things since then. No matter whether you go to England, coming from Germany or France or wherever, you have to prove yourself in the league you're playing in.
“But being back home is a great feeling. I hope I can take positive feelings back to England tomorrow.”
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