Granit Xhaka is back in the Premier League two years after leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen after accepting an offer to join Sunderland after their promotion
Granit Xhaka felt the opportunity to set up Sunderland in the Premier League, returned to England a good chance of rejecting after his move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The former Arsenal star, 32, left the English top flight two years ago for the Bundesliga, which he won with Leverkusen in his first campaign. However, Rumbels of another transfer have existed in recent months and Sunderland has now returned the midfielder to the Premier League.
Sunderland won promotion to the top flight via the play – offs last year and their conquest of Xhaka – a key figure earlier at Arsenal – is an important coup.
The Switzerland International says that he was 'excited' after discussions about a switch to the stadium of light and hopes that his experience can help the black cats to prevent an immediate return to the championship.
“I am very proud to be here,” Xhaka told the club's official website after completing his move.
“When I spoke to the club, I was excited and I felt the energy and mentality that all people and players have. It is exactly what I wanted and I have a very good feeling. We are back where this club should be, and we want to stay here to write our own history.
“I feel that I am ready to help the team with my experience, but also with quality. We have to find ourselves on the field, but I don't think this will be a big problem. It is a long time ago to wait, but I am here and I am looking forward to it.”
Xhaka appeared 297 performances during his time in Arsenal, where he was also broken by the side. He won two FA Cups and was part of the side that came close to winning the title before he continued.
Kristjaan Speakman, the sports director of Sunderland, believes that Landing Xhaka is a sign of the club's ambition on their return to the top flight after an absence of eight years.
He added: “We are delighted to welcome Granit and his family in Sunderland. His arrival is an important approval of our ambition and our desire to build a team that our supporters can be proud of in the Premier League. His performance and quality need little introduction – he is a player of the highth match, the perfect in our team.
“We look forward to helping him settle on Wearside and are enthusiastic to see the impact he can have on the field and in our dressing room.”