Granit Xhaka confirms Sunderland stay after Chelsea bid and historic World Cup win | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has confirmed he will stay at Sunderland next season. The 33-year-old spoke after Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals, offering his first public confirmation.

Chelsea saw an £8 million bid rejected earlier this summer. Xhaka was initially interested in the prospect of reuniting with former Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso, before reaffirming his commitment after talks with the club hierarchy late last week.

He informed Alonso over the weekend and Chelsea accepted defeat. Sunderland then teased the outcome with a post referencing the supporters’ ‘We’ve got Granit Xhaka’ chant, which he shared.

“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.

Switzerland’s penalty shootout win over Colombia secured a first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. They will face Argentina in the early hours of Monday for a place in the last four.

“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