The midfielder joined Sunderland from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I felt I needed a new and big challenge. When I spoke with the club, I was very excited to come here\u2014to feel the energy, the mentality, the people, the players, and overall atmosphere around the club. It was exactly what I wanted, and that\u2019s why I decided to join,\" Xhaka said on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also discussed the unique pressures of his role, the experience and mentality he brings, his commitment to energising both teammates and fans, and much more.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It\u2019s definitely a different kind of pressure, and that\u2019s why I said before\u2014it\u2019s 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\u2019m really looking forward to it,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I\u2019ve 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\u2019ve played, along with a strong mentality. I believe in working hard every day to achieve the team\u2019s goals, and also supporting the club and each other. I want to bring a positive feeling and the belief that we can succeed\u2014that\u2019s who I am,\" Xhaka added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Sunderland\u2019s rise and what it means to be part of the club\u2019s journey, the midfielder said, \u201cWhen you start talking with the club, you begin to understand its history. I know where they\u2019ve been and where they were, which makes the challenge bigger than ever. It\u2019s great to have that background, but now we\u2019re 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\u2019s why I decided to make this step.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also reflected on the vibrant, young Sunderland squad and the culture within the team, saying, \u201cA team needs a good balance\u2014a solid mix of young players and experienced ones. I\u2019m not finished yet; the hunger to achieve great things is still very much here. That\u2019s why I chose to join Sunderland\u2014I feel ready to help the team with both my experience and quality. I have a good feeling about the mix we have now, and though we need to find our rhythm on the pitch, I don\u2019t think that will be a big problem.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On Sunderland\u2019s rise and what it means to be part of the club\u2019s journey, the midfielder said, \u201cWhen you start talking with the club, you begin to understand its history. I know where they\u2019ve been and where they were, which makes the challenge bigger than ever. It\u2019s great to have that background, but now we\u2019re 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\u2019s why I decided to make this step.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I\u2019m sure this team will give everything on the pitch from the first whistle to the last. We need the club\u2019s and fans\u2019 support, no matter what happens. But one thing is certain\u2014we will give our all and hopefully achieve the goals we\u2019ve set,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n