Ghisolfi hails 'perfect' Xhaka signing as pivotal in Sunderland season | OneFootball

"A very important signing for us, for the team and the club and also for the community."

"I think Granit was a big statement for us, it was easier for me afterwards to work on the recruitment because we were more attractive [to players]," he told BBC’s Football Focus.

"I didn't think the perfect player existed and now I know Granit. As a player and a leader he is amazing."

"He is also a big fit for the club and the community because his values are very close to Sunderland values. We are very proud he trusted the club and the community."

"The first discussion, the first video call, he said within five minutes 'I want to go there'. It was an important moment in our Premier League journey."

Sunderland’s safety is all but secured, and Xhaka’s influence on and off the pitch has underpinned a season that has exceeded most pre-season expectations.

The midfielder left Bayer Leverkusen to join a potential relegation fight last summer, a move that surprised many.

Xhaka is set for a key role in the final seven league games. His minutes were managed over the international break as he continues to recover from an ankle injury, playing 45 minutes in Switzerland’s 4-3 defeat to Germany before being rested for the 0-0 draw with Norway.

Source: Sunderland Echo