Ghisolfi: Why signing 'perfect' Xhaka was such a crucial moment for Sunderland | OneFootball

Florent Ghisolfi has hailed Granit Xhaka’s decision to leave Bayer Leverkusen for a potential relegation fight at Sunderland as pivotal to a campaign that has defied expectations, with survival close to assured.

"A very important signing for us, for the team and the club and also for the community," Ghisolfi said, speaking to BBC’s Football Focus.

"I think Granit was a big statement for us, it was easier for me afterwards to work on the recruitment because we were more attractive [to players]." "I didn't think the perfect player existed and now I know Granit."

"As a player and a leader he is amazing. He is also a big fit for the club and the community because his values are very close to Sunderland values."

"The first discussion, the first video call, he said within five minutes 'I want to go there'. It was an important moment in our Premier League journey."

Xhaka is set for a crucial role in the final seven league games, his minutes having been managed during the international break as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. He played 45 minutes in Switzerland’s 4-3 defeat to Germany, then was rested for the 0-0 draw with Norway.

Source: Sunderland Echo