adminGranit Xhaka has revealed the emotional motivation behind his determination to make Sunderland’s European adventure a memorable one after the experienced midfielder opened up about the heartbreak he has suffered in previous continental campaigns.
The Sunderland captain has quickly become one of the most influential figures at the Stadium of Light since arriving at the club, and his ambitions extend far beyond simply participating in the Europa League.
Xhaka has already experienced the competition at the highest level during his spells with Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen. However, both of those journeys ultimately ended in disappointment, with the Swiss midfielder suffering defeat in two Europa League finals.
That history has given his latest European opportunity with Sunderland a particularly personal meaning.
Speaking ahead of Sunderland’s return to European football, Xhaka made it clear that he remains a dreamer and wants to experience another European final.
The midfielder explained that the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light could provide Sunderland with a major advantage, while also challenging his teammates to match the intensity of the supporters.
“The stadium will be on fire,” Xhaka said, while making clear that he also wanted to see Sunderland’s players “on fire” both with and without the ball.
For a player who has already played in two Europa League finals, the ambition is not simply about adding another competition to his impressive career.
Xhaka wants to finish unfinished business.
A PAINFUL HISTORY
Xhaka’s European career has already taken him to the final stage of the Europa League twice.
During his Arsenal career, the midfielder helped the Gunners reach the 2019 final, where they eventually suffered defeat against Chelsea.
He later experienced another final with Bayer Leverkusen, meaning that despite reaching the competition’s biggest match on two occasions, he has never lifted the Europa League trophy.
That history has inevitably shaped his outlook as he prepares for another campaign.
Sunderland’s qualification therefore represents an opportunity that Xhaka clearly values enormously.
The 33-year-old had already played in major European competitions with Arsenal and Leverkusen, but Sunderland represents something different.
He is now the captain of a club whose supporters have waited more than five decades to see European football return to the Stadium of Light.
WHY XHAKA CHOSE SUNDERLAND
Xhaka’s commitment to Sunderland has also been demonstrated by his decision to remain on Wearside despite interest from elsewhere.
According to recent reporting, the midfielder resisted an approach from his former friend and manager Xabi Alonso to join Chelsea during the summer.
Instead, Xhaka chose to remain with Sunderland and continue the project at the club.
That decision highlights how strongly he feels about the direction of the Black Cats.
Sunderland secured European football after an impressive return to the Premier League, finishing seventh and qualifying for the Europa League.
For Xhaka, the opportunity to help build something at Sunderland appears to be just as important as adding another major club to his career.
THE AZ ALKMAAR TEST
Sunderland’s first Europa League fixture provided the perfect opportunity for Xhaka and his teammates to begin their European journey.
The Black Cats faced AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light, with supporters creating an atmosphere that matched the significance of the occasion.
Sunderland eventually secured a 1–0 victory, with Enzo Le Fée converting a second-half penalty to give Régis Le Bris’ side the perfect start.
Xhaka played a central role as captain as Sunderland negotiated a difficult encounter against an AZ side that had entered the match unbeaten in the Eredivisie.
The result immediately gave Sunderland three valuable points and provided an early indication of what might be possible during their European campaign.
“I WANT ANOTHER FINAL”
Before the match, Xhaka did not hide the scale of his ambition.
The Swiss international has already reached the final twice, but rather than allowing those defeats to define his European career, he appears determined to use them as motivation.
His desire is particularly significant because Sunderland are competing in Europe for only the second time in the club’s history.
The last time Sunderland played European football was 53 years ago.
That makes Xhaka’s role particularly important. He brings experience of elite European nights to a squad and club that are rediscovering that experience after decades away.
He also understands the pressure that comes with attempting to go deep into the competition.
SUNDERLAND’S NEW LEADER
Since arriving on Wearside, Xhaka has quickly assumed a leadership role.
His experience at Arsenal, Leverkusen and with Switzerland gives him knowledge of playing under enormous pressure, while his previous European campaigns have exposed him to the demands of knockout football.
That experience could prove valuable as Sunderland progress through the competition.
The club’s supporters have already embraced their new captain, while Xhaka appears equally determined to repay their faith.
His message is clear: Sunderland are not entering the Europa League simply to make up the numbers.
Xhaka has spoken openly about his dream of reaching another European final, and the victory over AZ Alkmaar has given Sunderland an encouraging start.
Whether the club can go all the way remains to be seen, but for Xhaka, this campaign represents much more than another chapter in his career.
It is an opportunity to rewrite a painful part of his European history while helping Sunderland create a new chapter of their own.
After suffering heartbreak in two Europa League finals, the Sunderland captain now has another chance.
And this time, he wants the ending to be very different.
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