Granit Xhaka has revealed that he has chosen to join Sunderland to experience 'suffering' prior to a possible career as a manager.
The former Arsenal -midfielder, 32, signed earlier this summer for the Black Cats in a £ 17 million deal after winning the Bundesliga during his time in Bayer Leverkusen.
That was his impact on Sunderland during his short time in the northeast that Manager Regis Le Bris Xhaka handed over the captain for the new season, even though the Austria had never made a competitive appearance for the club.
And his term of office as Captain started a perfect start in the Stadium of Het Licht on Saturday when Sunderland made their long -awaited return to the Premier League.
For a raw crowd, goals from Elezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard and Wilson Isidor helped them to sail along a West Ham United side that looked out of ideas and trust.
Xhaka's passion for this new club was clear then when he celebrated the victory with supporters and he is now open about the motivation behind his move to Sunderland.
In conversation with Blick, he said: 'I believe that this experience in Sunderland will improve my future enormously.
'I want to pursue a career as a coach. That is why it is important to experience moments of suffering and solidarity.
'We will have to suffer a lot in the coming months. That is another side of football, and it will form me. '
Xhaka also claimed in the same interview that he cannot see himself about his decision to join Sunderland.
“Here live, breathe and suffer for the sport,” he added, “I will never regret this decision, whatever happens. I played in many stadiums in my career, but to be honest, at my first home game with Sunderland it was one of the best I have ever experienced.
“The euphoria among fans and the entire club was huge. It gave me goose bumps, it was just absolutely great.
“I was grabbed by the atmosphere. For me it was one of the top three moments of my career and everything buzzed. '
Xhaka started on Saturday next to Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra in a midfield with a lot of dynamics, athletics and aim.
Such characteristics have impressed Regis Le Bris, who this week praised the balance of the trio in his press conference.
“When we had planned the team for recruitment, we thought it was really important in our head that we found players who wanted to run because the requirement of this competition is really high,” he said.
“But their running must be smart. It is not only everywhere, the balance is really positive with two young powerful runners, also good football players, and an experience player who can be behind it to manage, help and give advice on different tactical problems.
'The balance worked well for this game, but I repeat Burnley is a different tactical problems, help and give advice. '
The Black Cats continued their return to the Premier League with a huge game away in Burnley on Saturday.