Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien thank Sunderland kit staff with handwritten note after historic season | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien have thanked Sunderland’s backroom team with a handwritten note to kitman Luke Purcell after the club’s historic season.

Purcell shared the card on his Instagram story, adding a caption that it summed up why he does the job.

The card appeared to carry the signatures of Xhaka and O’Nien. It expressed gratitude to Purcell and the wider kit department for their behind-the-scenes work during a remarkable campaign.

The message said he had improved the team in a short spell, praised his attention to detail and character, and stressed his importance to the squad. It closed with thanks from all the players.

Régis Le Bris’ side qualified for the Europa League after a stunning first season back in the Premier League, finishing seventh to secure a first European campaign since 1973-74.

While the players and coaching staff have drawn most plaudits, gestures like this highlight the broader effort. Kit, medical and analysis teams, as well as chefs, media and ground staff, help shape the environment around success.

Xhaka, who arrived last summer with vast experience, rapidly became a driving force in the Black Cats’ Premier League run. O’Nien has lived the club’s rise from League One to Europe, emerging as a leader in his own right.

Source: Sunderland Echo