Xhaka Vindicated: Sunderland Captain Reflects on “Laughable” Summer Move
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has opened up about the skepticism he faced after his high-profile move to the Stadium of Light last summer. Despite critics questioning his decision to swap a dominant Bayer Leverkusen side for a newly promoted Premier League outfit, the Swiss midfielder insists he has no regrets.
Choosing a Challenge Over Comfort
After a historic tenure in Germany—which included an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic cup—Xhaka felt the need for a fresh start. He revealed that even those closest to him were baffled by the transfer:
- Public Perception: Many observers expected Sunderland to struggle with relegation, making Xhaka’s move from a Champions League side seem nonsensical.
- Friend’s Reactions: Xhaka admitted, “People were laughing at me… even my closest friends asked, ‘Why are you going back to Sunderland?'”
- The Appeal: The veteran was drawn to the vision of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and head coach Regis Le Bris, noting that the “humble” nature of the city reminded him of his own upbringing.
Success on Wearside
The gamble has paid off. Under Le Bris, Sunderland has defied expectations to thrive in the top flight, with Xhaka receiving widespread acclaim for his leadership and midfield dominance. He told BBC Sport that he feels completely justified in his choice, citing it as the right direction for both his career and his family.
Injury Update: When Will the Skipper Return?
Despite his successful start, Xhaka is currently unavailable for selection. During a press conference on Thursday, Regis Le Bris provided a brief update on the captain’s recovery:
- Status: There is no official timeline for his return to the pitch.
- Progress: The news is cautiously optimistic; Le Bris confirmed Xhaka has begun treadmill running, calling the development “positive.”
