Granit Xhaka has revealed he decided to join Sunderland so that he could experience ‘suffering’ ahead of a possible career as a manager.
The former Arsenal midfielder, 32, signed for the Black Cats in a £17million deal earlier this summer after winning the Bundesliga during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
Such has his impact been on Sunderland during his short time in the north east that manager Regis Le Bris handed Xhaka the captaincy ahead of the new season, despite the Austrian having never made a competitive appearance for the club.
And his tenure as captain got off to a perfect start at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as Sunderland made their long-awaited return to the Premier League with a 3-0 win over West Ham.
In front of a raucous crowd, goals from Eleiezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor helped them cruise past the Hammers, who looked void of both ideas and confidence.
Xhaka has now opened up about the motivation behind his move to Sunderland.
Granit Xhaka has revealed the reason behind his decision to join newly-promoted Sunderland
He was appointed Black Cats captain despite never making a competitive appearance for them
Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, he said: ‘I believe this experience at Sunderland will greatly benefit my future.
‘I want to pursue a career as a coach. That’s why it’s important to experience moments of suffering and solidarity.
‘We’ll have to suffer a lot in the coming months. That’s another side of football, and it will shape me.’
Xhaka also claimed in the same interview that he can’t see himself regretting his decision to join Sunderland, who head into the season as one of the favourites to be relegated.
In each of the last two seasons, all three promoted sides have been demoted back down to the Championship – with Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley hoping to buck the trend this campaign.
‘Here, they live, breathe and suffer for the sport,’ he added, ‘I will never regret this decision, no matter what happens. I’ve played in many stadiums in my career but honestly, at my first home game with Sunderland it was one of the best I’ve ever experienced.
‘The euphoria among the fans and the whole club was huge. It gave me goosebumps, it was just absolutely amazing.
‘I was gripped by the atmosphere. For me, it was one of the top three moments of my career and everything was buzzing.’
Xhaka started alongside Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra on Saturday in a midfield with much dynamism, athleticism and endeavour.
The 32-year-old said he joined Sunderland to ‘suffer’ ahead of a possible coaching career
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris was quick to heap praise onto Xhaka and the rest of his midfield
Such traits have impressed Regis Le Bris, who praised the balance of the trio in his a press conference this week.
‘When we planned the squad for recruitment, we thought it was really important in our head that we found players who wanted to run, because the demand of this league is really high,’ he said.
‘But their running needs to be smart. It’s not just running everywhere, the balance is really positive with two young powerful runners, good footballers as well, and an experience player behind them able to manage different tactical problems, help and give advice.
‘The balance worked well for this game but I repeat Burnley is a different tactical problems, help and give advice. ‘
The Black Cats continue their return to the Premier League with a huge game away at Burnley on Saturday.
