Xhaka staying put to make history with Sunderland
Granit Xhaka has set his sights on making history with Sunderland as he confirmed he will be staying put at the Premier League club.
Xhaka joined Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen last year and played an instrumental role as the Black Cats enjoyed a stellar return to the Premier League.
Not only did Sunderland swiftly ensure its safety in the top flight, but a late-season charge saw it qualify for the UEFA Europa League with a seventh-place finish.
Xhaka took the captain's armband and played 34 league matches for Sunderland, scoring one goal and providing six assists, creating 34 chances and playing a team-leading 363 passes into the final third.
Chelsea wanted to sign Xhaka last month, with the Switzerland international reportedly keen to link up again with his former coach at Leverkusn, Xabi Alonso, but Sunderland rejected the Blues' offer.
Xhaka has now reiterated his commitment to Sunderland.
"Sunderland has been my home since day one," he said.
"We are all very happy. I've decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I'm ready to make history with them."
Xhaka had previously refused to rubbish the speculation that he wanted to join Chelsea.
The 33-year-old played the full match and scored a spot-kick as Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw to book a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, where it will play current holder Argentina.
