Granit Xhaka has opened up on his Sunderland future after summer interest from Chelsea and continued contact with Xabi Alonso
Granit Xhaka has explained why he stayed at Sunderland despite summer interest from Chelsea, insisting he believes the Black Cats can achieve “big things” in the years ahead.
The Sunderland captain was the subject of sustained speculation during the summer window, with Chelsea exploring a move and a potential reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso also discussed.
Sunderland rejected an opening Chelsea bid worth £8million and the London club were expected to return with an improved offer. Xhaka ultimately committed his future to Wearside and has now explained why the decision was straightforward from his point of view.
“For me, it was clear,” Xhaka told Daily Mail Sport. “I didn’t want to sign a short-term contract because I believe there is a long-term project ahead. I believe we can achieve big things again. You smell it; you have this feeling of the people when you look them in the eyes.”
Xhaka addresses Xabi Alonso contact
Xhaka also confirmed he remains in regular contact with Alonso, who coached him at Bayer Leverkusen, as well as former Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
“I spoke with Xabi. I speak with him nearly every day. With Xabi, with Mikel Arteta, with whoever,” he said. “For me, to have this contact doesn’t mean the need to move somewhere. I speak with them about everything, not just football. I try to take the most advice from my coaches where I believe they can bring me to the next level.”
The 33-year-old has repeatedly spoken about how quickly he has connected with Sunderland and the city since arriving on Wearside. “To achieve big things with not a lot, this is home for me,” Xhaka said. “To stay humble, to have humble people around you, to see people in a stadium because they love the football club. Maybe they don’t have a lot, but they spend a lot to come and support us. This is how I grew up. We didn't have a lot, but when you work hard, and you believe you can achieve things, you can get it.”
Sunderland's European challenge
Xhaka is preparing to lead Sunderland into Europe, with many members of the squad set to experience continental competition for the first time. The midfielder has already played in two Europa League finals during his career and believes his teammates will quickly discover how different the demands can be. “Football in Europe and the Premier League is like two pairs of shoes,” he said. “Totally different. Xhaka also discussed his longer-term ambitions, revealing he wants to become a coach and would one day like to work alongside his brother Taulant. Asked whether that could eventually happen at Sunderland, he replied: “Why not.”
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His playing career is far from finished, though, and Xhaka believes the experienced Sunderland captain supporters see today is still shaped by the fiery younger player who developed a reputation for emotional moments and red cards during his time at Arsenal. “It’s so difficult to compare the young Granit and the experienced Granit,” he said. “I call it this because I didn't change myself. I'm still the same player; I’m still the same Granit. This desire, this mentality, these mistakes, these red cards- this is maybe what makes me the player I am today.”
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Granit Xhaka opens up on Chelsea transfer talks, Xabi Alonso contact and Sunderland future
Granit Xhaka opens up on Chelsea transfer talks, Xabi Alonso contact and Sunderland future