Granit Xhaka explains Chelsea interest and why he stayed at Sunderland | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has spoken about Chelsea’s summer interest and why he chose to remain at Sunderland. The midfielder had been linked with a reunion with new Blues head coach Xabi Alonso after their success together at Bayer Leverkusen.

“When I signed the contract here, there was a plan behind the scenes, and the plan was to stick to this project, to believe in this project, and to work for this project.” He told The Sports Agents podcast.

“It's a big privilege that a football club like Chelsea want a player, nearly 34 years old. There was something behind it, yes, for sure, but my commitment to the club was straight for it.”

“When I spoke with the owner of Sunderland, I told him from the beginning, I don't have the feeling that this project is done yet, and this is my motivation. I want to enjoy the European football with this football club, with the fans, and hopefully we can get more after this season.”

Xhaka has had a major impact since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last year. He captained Sunderland to only their second European qualification, and their first in over half a century, earning wide praise for his performances and leadership.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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