Granit Xhaka says he will face the ‘biggest challenge of his career’ after joining newly-promoted Premier League club Sunderland on a three-year deal.
The former Arsenal captain ended his two-year spell with Bayer Leverkusen to join Sunderland, who were promoted from the Championship via the play-offs.
Promoted clubs have found the jump to the Premier League incredibly tough in recent years but Xhaka is determined to help Sunderland consolidate their place in the top-flight.
The Black Cats finished fourth in the Championship last season before beating Coventry City and Sheffield United in the play-offs to book their return to the Premier League.
‘I’m very proud to be here,’ he told Sunderland’s official website. ‘When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy, and the mentality that all the people and players have.
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‘It’s exactly what I wanted, and I have a very good feeling. We are back to where this club needs to be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.
‘I feel that I’m ready to help the team with my experience but with quality as well. We need to find ourselves on the pitch, but I don’t think this will be a big problem.
‘It’s been a long time to wait, but I’m here now and I’m looking forward to it.’
Xhaka added: ‘This may be the biggest challenge of my career so far. But I took it and I want to show that day-by-day and on the pitch as well.
‘I am sure this team will give everything on the pitch. From the first whistle ‘til the end. Whatever happens, we need the support of the club from the fans but we will give everything and hopefully we can achieve our goals.’
More to follow…
from Arsenal – Metro
Louis Sealey