After the training session, Granit Xhaka was involved in another special activity: the now traditional children's press conference at the Bayer 04 Soccer School. Xhaka, who received rapturous applause in a packed out press conference room, revealed to the 100 youngsters present that teammate Jeremie Frimpong was "by far" the funniest teammate in the dressing room and that the winner in the 1-0 victory in the 2024 DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern ranks amongst the best and most important goals of his career, which he "will not forget in a hurry."
why Xhaka wears number 34
The Switzerland international also revealed to the children why he wears the number 34 jersey: "I always used to travel to training sessions in Basel on the number 34 bus route. When I was allowed to choose a squad number at Basel there were five available including 34. I took that number – and I still like wearing it today."
On winning the Bundesliga title last season, the midfield maestro said: "Sometimes I still can't believe it. Particularly as the way we won – unbeaten – was so special. There were very many beautiful emotions last year. We all knew the history of the club and the wait of 120 years. It was incredible – for us, for the club and for the fans."
