Why do the Xhaka brothers play for different countries? Arsenal ace Granit starring for Switzerland at World Cup 2022 but older sibling Taulant repres

28/11/2022 00:18

Granit Xhaka has long provided a modern twist on the age-old concept of Swiss neutrality after regularly cheering on his older brother Taulant and Albania. Switzerland captain Granit is proudly leading out the country he was born and raised in at the World Cup in Qatar. Granit Xhaka came out on top in the battle of the brothers in Euro 2016Getty His brother Taulant will be supporting from the sidelines having failed to qualify for the tournament from England’s group with Albania. The Xhaka siblings, who were practically inseparable as children and still remain close, both started at Basel but their careers at club level and internationally have since gone on a vastly different route. Their parents migrated to Switzerland from the largely ethnically Albanian Kosovo – then part of Yugoslavia – back in 1989. The siblings were both born in Basel within 18 months of one another – Taulent first in March 1991, before Arsenal star Granit followed in September 1992. They each came through the ranks at boyhood club Basel and represented Switzerland at youth levels. But, while Granit made his senior bow for the Rossocrociati in a 2-2 draw against England in 2011, Taulent opted for Albania two years later. Taulant – left – has made 31 appearances for Albania while Granit – right – is now Swiss captainGetty Most read in Football DISPLAY Fans hold pictures of Ozil while covering mouths during Germany World Cup match ugly Russian cup match between Zenit and Spartak sees six red cards and punches in brawl decision Messi 'close' to MLS transfer as Beckham and Neville's Inter Miami near agreement TRIBUTE Enrique pays tribute to late daughter on day of Spain's clash with Germany change Morocco goalkeeper mysteriously swapped before kick-off despite appearing for anthem switch Southgate told to 'unleash' Foden and Grealish and 'poor' Mount should be dropped The former told Arsenal Player: “In the Swiss national team we have players with links to many different countries, maybe people who don’t just have Swiss roots. That’s why it’s very important that we respect each other, and that really works well in our team. “Switzerland is my home, it’s where I was born and grew up, but I will never forget my parents’ roots. My blood is Albanian and nobody can take that away from me. My heart is 50:50 – I can’t say I’m more of one than the other. I have two homes, Switzerland and Kosovo, and that’s how it will always stay. “I’m grateful for what Switzerland has done for my parents, for us. You can’t forget that. As I said, I was born and grew up there. I went to school there, I took my first steps there – both in football and in my private life. It will always be my home.” The Xhaka siblings later became the first brothers to play against each other at a European Championship in 2016 when the Swiss faced Albania. Their mother famously watched from the crowd with a T-shirt that carried the name ‘Xhaka’ and combined both nations’ flags. Granit won the battle of the brothers’ 1-0 that day and later revealed to Arsenal what it was like to face Taulent for his country. Xhaka is having a great season for ArsenalGetty Footballing brothers who played for different countries Christian Vieri – Italy / Max Vieri – Australia Paul Pogba – France / Florentin and Mathias Pogba – Guinea Thiago Alcantara – Spain / Rafinha – Brazil Jerome Boateng – Germany / Kevin-Prince Boateng – Ghana “The feeling to play against your own country is unbelievable,” Granit Xhaka said. “You can’t explain that in words. But then to play in a tournament like the Euros against your brother is something you never forget. “My mum had a shirt which was half Switzerland and half Albania. The first thing our parents told us was to forget for 90 minutes that we are brothers. They told us to do our jobs and that after 90 minutes, we’d be together again. “I spoke with my brother as well before the game and I said to him ‘listen, if I need to tackle you, can I?’ “It was about doing our job. We couldn’t change that, so we focused and did our job right so nobody could say something to us. “After the game, I was the guy who was more happy because we won but the feeling was unbelievable. “My brother and I are very, very close. Now we both have kids and are married with our own families. But I speak with him maybe five, six or seven times on FaceTime each day.” Taulent announced his retirement from international football in November 2021, citing injuries and personal reasons behind his decision. Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT At talkSPORT we are powered by fans, so come and join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT Fan Zone. In a huge indoor venue under the arches at Waterloo in London, we’ll bring you live screenings of every World Cup game. There will be Q&As with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live broadcasts, and there will be plenty of food and drink on offer too. Come and enjoy the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a pint on us – with tickets all games on sale HERE!