Granit Xhaka confirms Sunderland stay after historic World Cup win as Chelsea interest ends | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has confirmed he will stay at Sunderland next season, delivering his first public declaration on his future after Switzerland’s World Cup quarter-final qualification.

"Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy. I decided to stay where I am; family is the most important thing. I am ready to make history with them." He told DAZN after the shootout win over Colombia.

The win put Switzerland into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, with Argentina next in the early hours of Monday.

Chelsea saw an £8 million bid rejected earlier in the summer. Xhaka had been keen on a potential reunion with former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, but he reaffirmed his commitment late last week after talks with the club hierarchy.

He informed Alonso over the weekend, with Chelsea accepting defeat. Sunderland then hinted at the call in a social post referencing the supporters’ song, which Xhaka shared.

"It's incredible,” Xhaka said. "We know what the World Cup means. We created this opportunity for ourselves. Many teams have lost on penalties. Today is a special day for all of us, it hasn't really sunk in yet."

"I keep getting better as time goes on. I have a wealth of experience—with my teammates, my coaches, and the support of my loved ones. All of that makes me happy."

Source: Sunderland Echo