Granit Xhaka, the captain of Switzerland, has opened up about his decision to snub Chelsea last summer, opting to stay committed to Sunderland. Despite Chelsea's persistent interest, the 33-year-old midfielder has chosen to remain loyal to his current club.
At the heart of this potential transfer was Chelsea's head coach, Xabi Alonso, who was eager to bolster his revamped midfield with Xhaka’s wealth of experience and leadership. The Blues made an official bid of £8 million, but Sunderland's hierarchy stood firm, stating unequivocally that Xhaka was not for sale under any circumstances.
Xhaka expressed his feelings of flattery regarding the interest from a top club, but his resolve to see the project at Sunderland through remained steadfast.
In an interview with Global Player, the Swiss midfielder shared the motivations behind his decision:
“When I signed my contract here, there was a clear strategic plan behind the scenes. The aim was to stick to this project, to genuinely believe in it, and to work hard for its success.”
“I have always reminded myself and my loved ones: I came to Sunderland not for just one season. Of course, when a giant like Chelsea expresses real interest in a player soon to turn 34, it’s a massive privilege and an honour. There was indeed interest, no doubt. But my loyalty to this club has remained absolutely unwavering and direct.”
Last season, the 33-year-old became a pivotal figure in Sunderland's tactical setup, helping guide the team to a stunning seventh-place finish in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa League. Xhaka continues to serve as a fundamental leader both in the dressing room and on the pitch, steering the team towards new heights on both domestic and European fronts.
