Granit Xhaka makes bold declaration after what he personally witnessed for Sunderland last week
Sunderland and Granit Xhaka are a match made in heaven.
Despite the fact that he has walked out at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland captain, there will still be several supporters who can’t quite believe that Xhaka is here.
It was a remarkably ambitious transfer move that paid off in the end, and benefits are already emerging off the back of Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
Now, the 32-year-old has spoken out about his move to Wearside, and it embodies the type of person he is and why it is such a massive deal for the Black Cats.
Granit Xhaka is already loving life at Sunderland
The Swiss international led his new side out at the Stadium of Light on Saturday in front of a sell-out crowd, and the atmosphere was outstanding.
In fact, Graham Potter described the noise at the Stadium of Light as “one of the best” atmospheres he has ever witnessed in the Premier League, which is a remarkable claim considering how many grounds he will have visited.
However, those views were reciprocated by Xhaka in an interview with Blick, and he made a bold claim that showcases how much he has already acclimatised to life on Wearside.
“Here, they live, breathe, and suffer for the sport,” Xhaka said. “This passion is real.
“I will never regret this decision, no matter what happens.
- Joined Sunderland in a £17million deal from Leverkusen
- Instantly became captain
- Made competitive debut in Sunderland’s 3-0 win over West Ham
“I’ve played in many stadiums during my career, but honestly, the atmosphere at my first home game with Sunderland was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
“The euphoria among the fans and the whole club was huge. It gave me goosebumps; it was just absolutely amazing.
“I was gripped by the atmosphere; for me, it was one of the top three moments of my career, and everything was buzzing.”
Sunderland supporters will have a massive role to play
Despite everything that has happened this summer up until now, Sunderland are still among the favourites for relegation.
That is the nature of the Premier League, with all six of the latest promoted teams succumbing to that fate.
However, as witnessed last Saturday, Sunderland fans can generate an atmosphere that can unsettle any opposition, and that will be one of many keys to survival.
The Stadium of Light will be a fortress as long as the fans’ passion is matched on the pitch, and based on early evidence, it certainly will be.
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