Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka, the experienced Swiss midfielder, has officially joined Sunderland after a remarkable stint with Bayer Leverkusen. The 32-year-old, who captained Switzerland and played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten domestic season, expressed his excitement and pride in joining the Wearside club. This move marks a significant chapter in Xhaka’s career as he prepares to bring his wealth of experience to Sunderland.
Granit Xhaka said: “I’m very, very proud to be here. It was a long time waiting, but I’m here now and looking forward to that. I had the feeling that I needed a new challenge, a big challenge, and the project. It’s a different type of pressure for sure. That’s why I said before as well, it’s a big, big challenge for myself, for the club, but as well for the teammates. I’ve been in the UK already for seven years, so I know the mentality here, I know the league. What you can expect from me is that I will bring a lot of experience, in different types of European football I’ve played for, but as well a big mentality. How to work day by day, to achieve the goals that we have in the team, but as well like a club, and to help each other, to give them a good feeling, to give them the belief that we can do, and this is me.”
Xhaka continued: “I know where they were, and that’s why the challenge is bigger than ever, because it’s nice to have this background as well. But we are back where this club needs to be, and we want to be here, we want to stay here, and we want to write our own history, how I say it, and I have a very good feeling, and that’s why I did the step here as well.”
He added: “I think in a team you need a good balance, a good mix, with young players, but as well experienced players. I’m still not finished, I’m still hungry to achieve many, many good things, and that’s why I did the steps here as well, because I feel that I’m ready to help the team, I’m ready to help the team with my experience, but as well with the quality. I have the good feeling that we have a good mix now between the experienced and young players, and we need to find ourselves now on the pitch, for sure, but I don’t think this will be a big problem.”
Xhaka concluded: “This is exactly my feeling as well, and as I said, I love the challenge, and this one is a big challenge, maybe the biggest challenge in my career so far. I’m sure that this team will give everything on the pitch, until the first whistle, to the end. We need the support from the club, from the fans, whatever happens, but we will give everything on the pitch and hopefully we can achieve our goals, what we have.”
Xhaka’s arrival at Sunderland is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s experience and leadership. His familiarity with the UK football scene, coupled with his European experience, positions him as a key figure in Sunderland’s ambitions to climb the ranks. The midfielder’s commitment to integrating with both young and seasoned players is expected to foster a balanced and competitive squad. As Sunderland aims to build on its storied history, Xhaka’s leadership and determination could be instrumental in steering the club towards its future goals.
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