Granit Xhaka marks Sunderland anniversary with message to fans after deciding to stay | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka has sent a heartfelt message to Sunderland supporters to mark the first anniversary of his move to Wearside. The captain posted on social media.

According to Sunderland Echo, the Swiss midfielder arrived on 30 July last year and has become central to a team that finished seventh in the Premier League and secured Europa League qualification.

Interest from Chelsea surfaced earlier this summer, with new head coach Xabi Alonso viewing him as a target, but the 33-year-old chose to remain at the Stadium of Light. With the new campaign less than a month away, he reflected on a year in red and white.

On Instagram he shared a collage set to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love. He said a year has flown by, that he is proud of what has been built together and grateful for the challenges and lessons, and that he is ready to go again and hopes to make it even bigger.

Head coach Regis Le Bris said in a recent press conference that the topic is closed, adding Xhaka has been clear he loves Sunderland, wants to stay and help shape the club’s future, and praised him as a strong captain and leader.

Source: Sunderland Echo