XHAKA HAPPY AT SAFC

Granit Xhaka has explained the process behind his whirlwind transfer to Sunderland, spoke about the opening game of the season and compared Regis Le Bris to one of the greatest managers this sport has ever seen.

NO REGRETS

"Here, they live, breathe, and suffer for the sport. This passion is genuine... I will never regret this decision, no matter what happens."

TALKING TO KLD

"At 11pm, a Swiss number lit up on my phone. I was on my way to bed, the children were already asleep: 'Hello, this is Kyril. I'm the owner of Sunderland.' I went along with the game because I thought someone was playing a prank on me. My agent, José Noguera, was in America at the time - with the time difference. I gave Kyril my agent's number. The conversation was clear, but brief. Ten minutes later, José contacted me via FaceTime, along with the sporting director and Kyril. Then I realized: Things were getting serious."

COULDN'T SAY NO

"You have to do this, Granit! The club is coming from a situation that reminded me of my parents' beginnings – from scratch. And I feel that this experience here will give me the most for my future. This club did everything, absolutely everything to bring me back to England. When a club makes you feel that way, it would be almost rude not to consider it. I was so touched by the people in charge. I couldn't say no.”

RLB IS LIKE WENGER

“For me, he's a Monsieur à la Arsene Wenger. A very calm personality, a relaxed, very matter-of-fact person. What he says makes sense. Regis is a remarkably thoughtful coach. The way he managed the many personnel changes in such a short time: hats off to him!”

WEST HAM WIN

“I've played in many stadiums during my career, but honestly, the atmosphere at my first home game with Sunderland was one of the best I've ever experienced. The euphoria among the fans and the whole club was huge. It gave me goosebumps, it was just absolutely amazing. I was gripped by the atmosphere; for me, it was one of the top three moments of my career, everything was buzzing.”