An inspirational friendship | The story of Granit Xhaka and Julian

Granit Xhaka and Julian have had a special bond for years, and to mark World Down Syndrome Day, we're telling the story of when Granit invited his friend to London for a special behind-the-scenes training ground trip and a chance to play at Emirates Stadium after our Premier League win over Southampton.
To find out more about Arsenal's ongoing work with fans who have Down syndrome, check this out:
For more match action, highlights and training videos, make sure you become a digital member and sign up to Arsenal Player. It's FREE and is the Home of the Game: po.st/YTArsenalPlayer
Subscribe to the Official Arsenal KZbin Channel: arsn.al/Subscribe
Follow us on Facebook: po.st/facebookyt
Follow us on Twitter: po.st/twitteryt
Follow us on Instagram: po.st/instagramyt
Follow us on Soundcloud: po.st/soundcloudyt
This is the Official KZbin channel for Arsenal Football Club. This channel will aim to showcase the personality of Arsenal Football Club and give fans more of an insight into what it's like to be at this fantastic club. This channel will look behind the scenes and get closer to the likes of Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexandre Lacazette, Bernd Leno, Danny Welbeck, Granit Xhaka, Hector Bellerin, Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey and more.
ABOUT ARSENAL FC
Arsenal Football Club were formed in 1886. They have amassed 13 League titles, 13 FA Cups and many other major trophies since then. Their greatest players include: Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Robert Pires, Liam Brady, Patrick Vieira, Cliff Bastin and Charlie George.

[@matekiddleton5497]

My favourite player.. man this puts a smile on my face. Good on you Granit

[@krishnakishore9871]

This is a class act... Can now feel the values what Arsene Wenger Sir was talking in the farewell speech. COYG

[@pompeystube]

exactly

[@Sagar-kc8os]

♥️♥️

[@nd9289]

krishna kishore what did he say ?

[@SaptarshiDas95]

I'm not even ashamed to say that I cried

[@mlvn696]

Me too!

[@brozsinyau]

Me too! :)

[@Wangaruro]

Welled Up! This is just so touching!

[@shamimfarah2969]

Me too

[@casperplatou4750]

Never be ashamed of crying ❤️

[@pe3497]

Arsenal FC, been a class club since 1886.

[@aniqshardin]

some say its 1996

[@BestInTheWorld13x]

Mostly 1996 but yh 1886

[@omaryahya7258]

we are class

[@tg4655]

COYG!!!

[@kayawhite6672]

1886, not 1996. Arsenal Football Club, not Arsenè FC!

[@josephlimo9037]

May God bless Granit Xhaka for the rest of his life. What a human being!!!

[@jacobirush7889]

Sure, you have said it

[@kawalsingh5516]

Outside of the pitch our players are the most classiest no matter what u feel about their footballing ability theyre all really nice people

[@itsyvesss]

that's what Wenger was good at, he turned everyone into the best version of themselves.

[@aranyadutta1784]

Absolutely true.

[@user-qc2kt5kd3i]

Kawal Singh what about our ones? What do you think?

[@thegooner-49]

Class-enal FC

[@squirtlehvac8962]

Navdeep Singh true. I would love to bring Icardi over to the club he’s like John terry.😂

[@Janiah2323]

I’m a spurs fan and seen this recommended to me but fair play to Granit, class act 👏

[@simpleusername1820]

Fab Nineone Nah man. He could’ve just been watching so much football that Arsenal popped up. After all, I watched football and found out the Europa League because of it.

[@agneat4596]

@@simpleusername1820 🤦‍♂️

[@demz011]

Thx for watching this spurs fan good luck finishing 4th no offence

[@BB-wc9jx]

Respect mate 😊

[@beadelf8158]

@@demz011 good luck for finishing 5th no offense.

[@RahulSingh-sf8ui]

I am a Chelsea Fan and For the first time in my life i was watching a video by arsenal fc and damn, I got tears in my eyes and so much positivity.Granit, you deserve a huge round of applause mate and Thanks Arsenal FC for making my day.Divided by clubs united by humanity.

[@nishilbright2007]

Same here. Not the first time here but I come here at times simply coz such videos are pure class. I love what arsenal is doing here and outside the football.. I love what their values are..

[@RahulSingh-sf8ui]

@@nishilbright2007 Who says football doesnt teaches us values 😉

[@BB-wc9jx]

Respect to you mate 👍

[@rowlandaloriba6931]

Travel Maniac respect to you man ✊🏿.

[@alexvdb1267]

Beautiful words m8 thank you

[@alaooooy7]

I'm just glad that Julian is now a gooner since his friend Granit is a gooner too. We're lucky to have both of them 🙌🏼 🔴⚪

[@reubenmathers4132]

Julian has the same amount of goals against Cech as Messi.. GOAT status

[@arsenaldailytransfernews]

3:38 Sokratis never smiles so i think Julian receives legend status for making Papa smirk!

[@embronx.23]

Ben Daly 😂😂😂

[@carbohydratemuncher7926]

Granit your are a good man and I'm happy this video has no dislikes This really touched me Thanks for 266 likes

[@TeerayTR1]

Just wait, the morons will start disliking the video any moment now

[@CyberPheonixz147]

@@TeerayTR1 Already started, these idiots are ruining it

[@dontworryaboutit7162]

Already 9 dislikes. But the video made my day

[@MTfor2023]

This world is not in lack of wicked people don't be surprised if you see dislike. Already 11 dislike.

[@agneat4596]

@aezloM9 people are useless

[@samabniki4033]

I wish he went to the man utd match to see Xhaka send De Gea to the corner shop

[@naisFR]

me too

[@visvesh9323]

Yes that wud have been awesome moment❤️

[@agneat4596]

😂😂😂

[@ythinder]

I was thinking that!!!

[@ivar7350]

I was hoping the heart celebration was to him

[@marcotropoja]

I am chelsea fans , but one thing i know is arsenal player are the most good hearted and classiest amongs all of other team.

[@effyoutube1]

Masha Allah bruva granit..this is what it's really about! Good example your setting

[@masugoupil]

I'm a Liverpool fan, but I grew up in Switzerland looking up to people like Granit, Xherdan, and Alexander Frei. Granit is a great player and a better person. He was my childhood hero as well as Julian's. Ynwa, but also coyg. Much love to every fan of the Prem.

[@masugoupil]

@@abbas5532 lmao

[@freggerpack2873]

Masu Goupil mashallah demfall bish fcb fan auu

[@nachiketdidolkar8833]

This is what made this a club my favorite. Its not just a club for me its the reason my heart beats. My love for this club just gradually rockets when I see something like this. Love you Arsenal. COYG

[@MrCrockaG]

Began tearing up at 0:56 when he touched Granit's face and didn't stop until the end of the video. What a class act from Granit, and what a great kid Julian is.

[@zeynelyesil7808]

In Germany we call this "Ehrenmann"

[@TeerayTR1]

Looks like the man on the left was about to cry tears of joy @5:15

[@MardyBum100291]

Proud to support this club. What a man Granit, these are the values you represent when you play for Arsenal and a true captain.

[@dusaintel]

Wow Granit Xhaka your heart is bigger than the world. What you are doing is beyond call of duty. The joy you bring to this child is priceless. An example for every player.

[@bottledwater134]

I'm An United Fan But This Was Great. Massive Props To Xhaka.

[@callumschulz8615]

Graint you absolute gentleman ⚪️🔴

[@MarcelloAFC1992]

Granit xhaka is Magic, respect by Arsenal fan froom Brasil. 🇧🇷🇬🇧

[@AlonzoStainbank]

I love Granit ❤️ you can see he is a real genuine human 🇦🇱 🇨🇭

[@benisonbismith979]

Never knew Xhaka would have such a good friend.....the happiness in his eyes when he takes the kid in his arms says it all. God bless you Julian and Xhaka. I pray that your sickness heal soon.

[@ms5202]

Not an Arsenal fan but this is class. Respect for Granit ❤️

[@jackmulkerrin5637]

I’m a Tottenham fan but this was real class... lovely to watch... at the end of the day football is all about enjoyment, no fight

[@urosdavidovic189]

I’m a Tottenham fan, but this is just beautiful ❤️

[@brandeeno2846]

It doesn’t matter what team you support. This is just beautiful

[@valonmehmetaj4769]

a good man a good footballer and a real Albanian Respect Granit 🇽🇰🇦🇱

[@bigmanjdvevo]

Grant xhack is so kind and carefully

[@haarry2977]

Anyone who dislikes this video, go sort your life out! This is beautiful❤️

[@dst7026]

Brilliant video, arsenal still showing there class and values, top man Granit

[@88renos]

Im a Liverpool fan but this a classic gesture from Xhaka... RESPECT !!! WORLD CLASS ACT

[@sooraj7702]

My captain gx34❤️

[@sooraj7702]

@Aaron Rooney who is lk5? 😂

[@desmondlee3795]

Wayne Ramsey

[@sooraj7702]

@Aaron Rooney never realised koscielny changed his number to 5🤣

[@RandomGooner]

Video that added value today...!! Thank you Julian and Granit...

[@SB-nd8so]

You Arsenal fans have to respect this guy! I used to think he was average and had poor self control! He is actually technically great proper team player, lover of his club! He makes some mistakes and sometimes has had to sacrifice himself for the good of the team and be hated for it! But he don’t hide he come after the game to you arsenal fans so you can have your say good or bad! I respect me I wish more footballers where like him so you actually know what your getting for your money!

[@artigeneve6565]

to have an Albanian heart be for the other also very good example for all players❤❤🇦🇱🇦🇱👍👍

[@petarkovacevic6648]

Granit you are very nice and kind person i am glad that we have footballers like you,from now you are my idol.

[@Bradclart]

Criticise his performances but not the man. Xhaka is a wonderful person and it's such a shame his Arsenal career has ended the way it has. He didn't warrant the horrendous abuse he received even if some of his on-field performances weren't great. All the best at your next club, Granit 👏

[@sethhw7691]

and then, Arteta

[@Laegmeril]

Granit is where it should be. He's at home. He's at the Arsenal. At the club to which he has given the fire of his heart.❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 And he's a terrific player, a great footballer. 💪⚽️🥇

[@Bradclart]

@@Laegmeril - honestly one of the best comeback stories in football, and one of Mikel Arteta's greatest achievements. Really hope Xhaka completes his Arsenal redemption arc with a League title

[@cwalkz6964]

The more I see xhaka off the field the more I want him as the club captain. The message he put out after the spurs game and this. And he’s playing his best football ever. Respect to Granit 🇨🇭

[@MohammedIbrahim-nw7rb]

I cannot even imagine the mental state of the ones who disliked this video... They must be psychopaths !! Proud to be an Arsenal fan ❤

[@bruhh9379]

As a Spurs fan these are the moments where i put the rivarly aside and appreciate great souls like Xhaka! Fair play Granit, absolute class act!

[@sultan__]

my boi julian made sokratis smile #Respect

[@xristosyz9742]

Granit is from albania,all the albanian people have a big heart..........RESPECT🙏

[@johnowen3974]

Gucci Pantofla he’s from Kosovo not Albania

[@PMAB8]

You have my absolutely respect Mr Granit Xhaka

[@romadimarwa3819]

This is blessing Granit to get such a kind of gorgeous small angel 👼.. God be with both of u. Am Arsenal fun from Ethiopia.

[@stonemikey3071]

Big up your self my heart and mine goes out to all them people that died in that plane crash 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@kaykaylondon2545]

Well done granit and AFC... The smile on Julian face...priceless. Ma'sha Allah...beautiful.

[@JaackkXx]

I can really see why he’s captained his national team and his previous club. My captain

[@frankiem8139]

Big up xhaka what a guy

[@asepsurasep2181]

Julian Give Me Positive Energy For My Life, Thanks :)

[@Vinstoire]

This video is the best of Arsenal because of Granit and Julian are bautiful twice . I hope for Granit that win Europa League with us

[@rabiumusah3005]

I think I got tears in my eyes. Love you Granit, Julian and Arsenal FC. #COYG 😍

[@sethusimelane7977]

Extremely beautiful, had me in tears. Thank you Arsenal and thank you Granit ❤️

[@fizaamani]

My Captain!! Our Captain ❤❤❤❤

[@arjunmassordekar7359]

Xhaka boom on my 💓 # 34 🔴⚪

[@Tzahx_]

This is beautiful from Xhaka this really touched my heart all love from Ireland🇮🇪❤️ rivalry aside beautiful from arsenal to give him the opportunity to see Xhaka again👌

[@ayaanleidris3952]

f what anyone says im glad xhaka is an arsenal player and under unai emery he will turn into the midfield beast this season alone he is our most improved player

[@lgh1551]

He has been really good this season.

[@wiwinrose5984]

Doesn't matter what club you support, such story makes you understand the value of life 😘 Thank you Arsenal. Good for you, Granit and Julian ♥️

[@youngsmokes6687]

No words can describe this video.. what an amazing player and kid! Motivates everyone on a high scale with such positivity and happiness!

[@budphangbornlyngdoh4651]

If you dislike this video, that means you have no heart........ Thanks Arsenal for this beautiful and rare footage.... Always a Gunner...💪

[@NN-bn3qb]

Don't know how anyone can give this a thumbs down. So touching, moving and inspirational.

[@emg3522]

I love this club

[@choupangclovis9749]

Now I understand why Arsene Wenger laid more emphasis on keeping the values of the Club. What a way of relieving Julian and his family!! Thank you G. Xhaka.

[@zaem12]

thanks granit.. you make me cry,..., such a good person

[@theprofessor4306]

Xhaka thank you! I cried watching this. I've made up my mind to follow you on Instagram! Your heart is truly made of gold.

[@NeerajGupta-ks9fe]

Really love the kid Thanks Xhaka 😉🥰

[@YouTomeQ]

Great footballer, great person and the most important true gunner 🔴⚪ Alles gute to our future captain, greetings from Poland !

[@stevediangelo4742]

My Captain, Granit Xhaka.

[@abdimohamed4221]

After that horrific shooting in NZ last week, I really needed to see something positive this week. I’m glad I watched this video, it restored a little faith in humanity for me. Thank you Arsenal and Granit for this touching video. God bless those lost innocent lives in Christchurch and COYG!!! 🔴⚪️

[@borusse03]

Granit du kannst auch wirklich stolz auf dich sein. Du bist ein toller Mensch und die Bindung die du zu Julian aufgebaut hast ist echt wahnsinnig toll. Angefangen in Mönchengladbach, meinem Herzensverein, durch die ich die Zeit mit dir bei der Borussia nie vergessen werde. Ich vermisse dich schon so ein bisschen im grünen Trikot. 😂💚 Alles Gute euch beiden !!

[@icemancallmeis511]

Granit-a good man.

[@shillongboy6415]

Man this brings tears to my eyes , great respect for granit xhaka 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@valdringashi7655]

I madh je shqipe ! Te lumt :) Julian was für ein Herz ❤

[@davidprice8762]

What a Guy absolute Gent Xhaka

[@ChrystalWater97]

This made me so happy. Thanks Granit for what you do for the boy. He's so happy. It's adorable to watch

[@carljaison1875]

Even if you are a rival fan, how could you possibly dislike this video?

[@rodrigodelgado5189]

That's why we love this club. ❣

[@asvinchauhan3202]

i heard special connection in this video like 20 times lol

[@wxffl]

This is what it’s all about!❤️

[@tylerfrancis19]

This is amazing what he has done to the young boy. Do not sell Granit Xhaka plz

[@20PROZ07]

he has a big heart of those who love him what a guy he is, he deserves everything good in his life.. still my favourite player in the team

[@darkmyb]

What an inspiration, all credit to Granit

[@abdirashidelmi2438]

Granit well done youre kindness player and youre passically Albanian culture it is main youre behaviour thank you very much

[@febinkjose8095]

when he touch pappa's face...my heart was broken........that laugh wowww..........3;37

[@ursulaanyousaf2406]

Humanity over football ❤️

[@murrayotto6035]

I’m a Liverpool fan but this is just amazing 😉

[@spuddsalli8559]

GRANIT CAN BE A VERY GOOD PLAYER IF HE CAN CONTROL HIS ANGER AND FRUSTRATION

[@matekiddleton5497]

So can Dele and Lingard if they can do anything other than just running in open spaces like madmen

[@jsuswaram]

Bro leave the game for the moment appreciate his humanity first.

[@nishilbright2007]

@@matekiddleton5497 and dancing idiotically

[@ms5202]

Not the time mate

[@JusGud4Nw]

Am I the only one here feel like crying? The kid is just so lovable and happy lol I really love this😍❤

[@pastorchristopherpabai3400]

Who gives this kind of video that spreads love and kindness, a thumbs down 👎? Some people are strange... Shame on you!!!!

[@albahawk8024]

Albanians are proud with you Granit. You are always welcome in your homeland Kosova. Dashuri shume te madhe per ty dhe rrespekt masiv

[@Wangaruro]

Wow!!! That's a really inspiring story! Way to go Xhaka!!! You are such a kind person!

[@bestbettingtips9883]

Who else like these guy 🔥🔥🔥..#like

[@ume4859]

Unglaublich schöne geschichte und sehr stark von granit 👏🏻👏🏻 respekt dafür!

[@gauravsaikia7514]

who the hell disliked this video?spurs fans?this is no way related to the game as well

[@mlvn696]

You know it.

[@swarnabd202]

Sei johora keitai hobo aru..

[@gauravsaikia7514]

@@swarnabd202 hmm

[@agneat4596]

Or United

[@mentorraci3188]

you dont know because youre not albanian,serbitchezzz disliked the video

[@albokingz9786]

Julian is so Happy😍 Respect Granit!🙏

[@kingsleedsouza4776]

I'm so proud of you xhaka. Whenever your arsenal career heads, you did great man. Winner Fight Julian

[@Hadarouken]

These past weeks he has became class and now I see he’s a class person as well