Just a couple of weeks after signing for the club, former Gunner Granit Xhaka has been named the new captain of Sunderland AFC.
Granit Xhaka joined Sunderland AFC on a three-year deal in late July, leaving Bayer Leverkusen after two seasons and three trophies with the German club.
Xhaka’s new club have clearly already taken to him, as just a fortnight after his arrival he’s been named their club captain.
“It makes me incredibly proud to be captain of this Club and of this team,” Xhaka said. “I hope to show my leadership on and off the pitch, helping my team-mates in the training ground and across the Club.
“To be part of Sunderland’s history, alongside some of the names who have worn the armband before, is an honour. People who know me know exactly what they’ll get – I’m someone who demands a lot. I’m a winner and I want to win – and I expect the same from my team-mates.”
Xhaka had also worn the captain’s armband at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Arsenal, though perhaps the less said the better about the latter stint.
The midfielder is also wearing the number 34 shirt at Sunderland, just as he did at Arsenal. Sunderland spent in the region of €20m (£17.2m) for Xhaka, and they clearly intend for him to be a key part of their team in 2025/26.
Before his move to Leverkusen, Xhaka spent seven years in the Premier League with Arsenal.
The 32-year-old won two FA Cups and two Community Shields with the Gunners. 2025/26 will bring his first competitive fixtures playing against his old club, with the two clubs set to meet on the weekend of November 8-9th.