Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien’s handwritten Sunderland message revealed after historic campaign | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka and Luke O’Nien have left a handwritten note thanking Sunderland kitman Luke Purcell and colleagues after the club’s historic season.

Purcell said in a post, “The reason you do what you do…”, as he shared the card on his Instagram story.

The card appeared to be signed by Xhaka and O’Nien, who thanked Purcell and the kit team for their behind-the-scenes work. They praised his impact in a short spell, his attention to detail and character, and told him he is important to the team, passing on gratitude from the squad.

The gesture will no doubt be appreciated by supporters, with togetherness repeatedly cited as a key factor this season. Régis Le Bris’ side qualified for the Europa League after a stunning first season back in the Premier League, finishing seventh and securing European football for the first time since 1973-74.

The moment also highlights the wider workforce behind Sunderland’s rise, with kit staff, medical teams, analysts, chefs, media staff and ground staff all contributing to the club environment.

Xhaka arrived last summer with vast experience and quickly became one of the driving forces in the dressing room. O’Nien, meanwhile, has lived the journey from League One to Europe.

Source: Sunderland Echo