Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien’s handwritten thank-you to Sunderland kit staff after historic season | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien left a handwritten note for Sunderland’s kit staff after the club’s historic campaign. According to Sunderland Echo, kitman Luke Purcell received the message as a show of appreciation.

Purcell posted the card on his Instagram story with the caption: "The reason you do what you do…" alongside an emotional emoji.

The card, apparently signed by Xhaka and O’Nien, thanked Purcell and the wider kit team for their work behind the scenes. It praised his swift impact, attention to detail and character, and said he is important to the squad.

The gesture chimed with a season in which togetherness has been a recurring theme. Régis Le Bris’ side finished seventh in their first campaign back in the Premier League, securing Europa League football for the first time since 1973-74.

Sunderland’s rise has relied on a broader cast, from kit and medical teams to analysts, chefs, media staff and ground workers.

Xhaka has provided experience and drive since arriving last summer, while O’Nien embodies the journey from League One to Europe. Both have emerged as major leaders in the dressing room.

Source: Sunderland Echo