'Together...': Granit Xhaka Sends Rallying Cry To Sunderland Fans Ahead Of 2026/27 Season

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has delivered an emotional and powerful social media message to the Stadium of Light faithful ahead of the 2026/27 campaign curtain-raiser.

Following his impressive exploits at the World Cup for Switzerland, the midfield metronome has been given an extended period of rest by the Sunderland hierarchy and has therefore not played a part in Sunderland's pre-season preparations.

As Regis Le Bris' squad return from their three-game USA pre-season trip, which was concluded with a 1-0 win over Championship Wrexham on Sunday, Xhaka will return to the Academy of Light for training in the coming days after a summer of transfer drama.

Earlier in the window, Chelsea tried to sign Xhaka from Sunderland to reunite Xabi Alonso with his former Bayer Leverkusen captain.

Thankfully, the Black Cats stood firm, and the Swiss veteran reaffirmed his commitment to the Stadium of Light project.

With the Chelsea saga firmly in the rearview mirror, Sunderland skipper Xhaka, who recently celebrated his first anniversary at the club, has issued a rallying cry to the Black Cats fanbase ahead of the opener at Ipswich Town.

After having a monumental impact on Sunderland in his maiden campaign, the Swiss veteran is set to lead Le Bris' side back into the Premier League, and captain the Black Cats into European football for the first time in over 50 years.

With the opening day visit to Portman Road now less than three weeks away, the 33-year-old midfielder has told the Sunderland supporters to help Xhaka and his red-and-white squadron to "make this season even more forgettable than the last."

Xhaka said on his Instagram: "We created memories that will stay with us forever,

"The noise, the passion, the nights under the lights, hearing you sing with one voice... those are the moments that remind you why you love this game.

"Thank you for believing. Thank you for standing with us every single step of the way. Now a new season begins. New dreams. New challenges. The same badge. The same passion.

"Let's cherish every moment, fight for each other, and make this season even more forgettable than the last. Together. Always."

With years of experience at the elite level of European football under his belt, Xhaka's leadership and nous will be imperative to Sunderland's exploits in the upcoming campaign, as they navigate a testing top flight term and the Europa League competition.

Earlier in the summer, when Chelsea made a shock attempt to sign the Swiss captain, the potential of his departure threatened to derail Sunderland's season before it had even started.

However, with the Blues transfer saga behind Xhaka and the Black Cats faithful, the focus rightly returns to yet another exciting season with the veteran midfielder donning the captain's armband for Sunderland.