Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien pen heartfelt note to Sunderland staff after historic season | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien left a handwritten note for Sunderland kitman Luke Purcell, thanking him and the backroom staff after a historic campaign.

As reported by Sunderland Echo, Purcell posted the message on his Instagram story with the caption “The reason you do what you do…” alongside an emotional emoji.

The card appeared to be signed by Xhaka and O’Nien. It praised how Purcell had lifted the team in a short spell, lauded his attention to detail and character, and said he was vital to the group.

Togetherness has been a running theme at Sunderland this season. Régis Le Bris’ side finished seventh in their first season back in the Premier League, earning a Europa League place and a first European campaign since 1973-74.

Both are viewed as leaders in the Sunderland dressing room. Xhaka arrived last summer with vast experience and quickly became a driving force, while O’Nien has journeyed from League One to Europe. Such gestures highlight the wider cast behind the rise, from kit and medical teams to analysts, chefs, media and ground staff.

Source: Sunderland Echo