Granit Xhaka says joining Sunderland is the biggest challenge of his career

Granit Xhaka described his move to Sunderland as the biggest challenge of his career, expressing excitement about the club’s vision and potential. The experienced midfielder hopes to bring energy, passion, and leadership as the team begins its Premier League journey.

Hyderabad: Granit Xhaka, who joined Sunderland ahead of the Premier League, said he felt he needed a new and big challenge.

“When I spoke with the club, I was very excited to come here—to feel the energy, the mentality, the people, the players, and overall atmosphere around the club. It was exactly what I wanted, and that’s why I decided to join,” he said in an exclusive chat on JioHotStar.

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“It’s definitely a different kind of pressure, and that’s why I said before—it’s a big challenge for me, the club, and my teammates. But I have a good feeling. I see the potential for a big change, and I want to be part of it, to be part of this football club and write our own history. I’m really looking forward to it,” Xhaka said.

“I’ve been in the UK for seven years, so I understand the mentality here and the league well. What you can expect from me is a wealth of experience from different types of European football I’ve played, along with a strong mentality,” he said.

“I believe in working hard every day to achieve the team’s goals, and also supporting the club and each other. I want to bring a positive feeling and the belief that we can succeed—that’s who I am,” Xhaka said.

“When you start talking with the club, you begin to understand its history. I know where they’ve been and where they were, which makes the challenge bigger than ever. It’s great to have that background, but now we’re back where the club needs to be. We want to stay here and write our own history. I have a very good feeling about this, and that’s why I decided to make this step,” he explained.

“I will give the fans a lot of energy, mentality, and passion—fighting for every ball, for my teammates, for the badge, and for the club. That’s what I want to give both the fans and my teammates,” Xhaka said.

“A team needs a good balance—a solid mix of young players and experienced ones. I’m not finished yet; the hunger to achieve great things is still very much here. That’s why I chose to join Sunderland—I feel ready to help the team with both my experience and quality,” he said.

“I love challenges, and this is a big one—perhaps the biggest of my career so far. I’ve taken it on, I’m here now, and I want to prove myself day by day, weekend by weekend on the pitch,” Xhaka said.

“I’m sure this team will give everything on the pitch from the first whistle to the last. We need the club’s and fans’ support, no matter what happens. But one thing is certain—we will give our all and hopefully achieve the goals we’ve set,” he said.