Sunderland captain, Granit Xhaka, has opened up and disclosed the reason behind his decision to move to the Stadium of Light this summer. The midfielder arrived from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Sunderland were amazing on their return to the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United. The opening matchday was also a spectacle for the Stadium of Light faithful to witness in action the new players who joined the squad as part of an elaborate strategy to stay afloat in the top flight.
Xhaka is among the dozen new players recruited by Sunderland this summer. Regis Le Bris’s side reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over a £17.3 million transfer. The player impressed during the pre-season outings and against the Hammers.
Xhaka speaks about Sunderland move
However, football pundits were not convinced of Xhaka’s decision to join the Black Cats, considering that the club had returned to the premier division after a long absence of eight years. Xhaka has put these talks to bed after he revealed the reason that made him join Sunderland at a crucial juncture in his career.
Among the most convincing reasons for the 32-year-old midfielder was the sheer warmth and love the fans of Sunderland share for the club. Xhaka gave a special shoutout to the ‘passion’ that is an integral force driving this club in the correct direction. The player has been quoted as saying –
“Here, they live, breathe, and suffer for the sport. This passion is genuine… I will never regret this decision, no matter what happens.”
The player has also made a special mention of the gaffer, Regis le Bris, drawing parallels of the French manager with another Frenchman, Arsene Wenger – who signed him at Arsenal.
“For me, he’s a Monsieur à la Arsene Wenger. A very calm personality, a relaxed, very matter-of-fact person. What he says makes sense. Regis is a remarkably thoughtful coach. The way he managed the many personnel changes in such a short time: hats off to him!”
What to expect in the coming days?
Regis le Bris and his men have worked across the clock this transfer window, securing deals. Their work is yet not finished, with Sunderland planning to deliver the marching orders to five players at the Stadium of Light.
Meanwhile, the Black Cats will be heading to Turf Moor this weekend to square off against Burnley. The club faced a three-goal defeat at the hands of Tottenham on matchday 1.
The club are strongly linked with signing this French defender and he would be another astute addition to the squad.
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