Alan Smith hails ‘big boost’ as Granit Xhaka decides to stay at Sunderland | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka is set to remain at Sunderland this summer, a decision Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith says is a 'big boost' for the club.

"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 was speaking to DAZN.

The captain had been heavily linked with Chelsea last month, with the Blues tabling an £8 million bid, but he has decided to remain at the Stadium of Light.

Smith said: "It was going to be an underwhelming start to the season if he was to leave after the excitement of last year. So that’s encouraging. The fans will be delighted and so will the manager and the players."

"He’s showing for Switzerland again what a good and important player he is, what a great influence off the pitch as well, I’m sure. So big boost for Sunderland, that."

Xhaka and Switzerland face Argentina in the early hours of Sunday in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Source: Sunderland Echo