'Looking Back...': Granit Xhaka Issues Emotional Sunderland Message On Year Anniversary Of Move

Granit Xhaka has issued a heartfelt message to the Sunderland faithful on the first anniversary of his Stadium of Light stint. 

In the summer of last year, ahead of the Black Cats’ long-awaited return to Premier League football, Sunderland made one of the most marquee moves of the transfer window by bringing the Swiss captain from German giants Bayer Leverkusen to Wearside. 

The Stadium of Light hierarchy completed a masterstroke of a transfer, with Xhaka captaining Regis Le Bris’ newly-promoted Black Cats to a historic seventh-placed finish and subsequent qualification for this season’s Europa League competition, and the club have the former Arsenal figurehead to thank largely for that feat. 

Xhaka’s leadership and experience on the field, combined with his winning mindset, helped Sunderland to a remarkable finish, with the Swiss veteran nominated for Premier League Transfer of the 2025/26 Season after acting almost as an on-field coach by dictating the position of his teammates. 

Following his outstanding first campaign at the Stadium of Light, a shocking transfer revelation rocked Sunderland this summer when news emerged that Chelsea wanted to sign Xhaka to reunite the former Leverkusen captain with his ex-head coach Xabi Alonso. 

Thankfully, the Sunderland hierarchy stood firm against Chelsea’s ploy, with Xhaka publicly reaffirming his commitment to the Black Cats this summer. 

Now, the 33-year-old midfielder has issued an emotional statement to the Sunderland fans on the first anniversary of his arrival at the Stadium of Light.

Via his Instagram, with Elvis Presley’s ‘Wise Men Say’ aptly playing, Xhaka said: “One year already. Time really flies. Looking back, it’s incredible what we’ve built together in such a short time.

“Grateful for every challenge, every lesson, and every unforgettable moment. Ready for another season. Let’s make it even bigger.”

Following the Chelsea links, Black Cats boss Le Bris has also stated that the “topic is closed” in terms of the Blues’ move to sign the Swiss midfield metronome. 

Le Bris stated: “He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader.”

Thankfully for Sunderland, the Xhaka to Chelsea saga is firmly a thing of the past, and the Swiss stalwart is set to continue his imperative in the heart of Le Bris' side next season.

The Black will certainly need Xhaka's leadership expertise next term, as they navigate their second season back in the Premier League and venture into the Europa League.