Granit Xhaka turned down a summer move to Chelsea because he believes he can still achieve 'big things' with Sunderland. The former Arsenal man was linked with a sensational switch to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.
It was said that new Blues boss Xabi Alonso was keen to be reunited with the midfielder, the pair having struck up an excellent relationship at former club Bayer Leverkusen. But Xhaka, 33, rebuffed interest from Chelsea to stay with Sunderland.
Ambition at Sunderland
He has since revealed that his ambitions of achieving something with the Black Cats was at the forefront of his mind in making a decision.
“For me, it was clear,” Xhaka said to the Daily Mail. “I didn’t want to sign a short-term contract because I believe there is a long-term project ahead. I believe we can achieve big things again. You smell it; you have this feeling of the people when you look them in the eyes.”
Xhaka only arrived at Sunderland from Leverkusen last summer following the Black Cats’ return to the Premier League. He played a pivotal part in a brilliant first season back, with Regis Le Bris’ men securing a spot in this season’s Europa League.
Talks with Alonso
Xhaka has confirmed that he also spoke to Chelsea boss Alonso - but has assured that it was nothing to do with a potential move. He added: “I spoke with Xabi. I speak with him nearly every day. With Xabi, with Mikel Arteta, with whoever. For me, to have this contact doesn’t mean the need to move somewhere.
“I speak with them about everything, not just football. I try to take the most advice from my coaches where I believe they can bring me to the next level.”
Chelsea's alternative signing
After failing to sign Xhaka, Chelsea moved onto alternative targets, signing Jordan Henderson on a free transfer from Brentford. And boss Alonso has since explained that the side needed more experience - a role that the ex-Liverpool captain fulfills.
Speaking earlier this summer, Alonso said: "For me, as I've said before, [the squad has] potential and I really like the squad but there were some things we could improve and I analysed from the outside and after talking with people in the club; the players, what they were missing.
"For sure, we need to have the right balance in everything. The right balance in physicality, the right balance in talent and experience. You need to have the right balance in players you need to develop, and to develop this maturity.
"Nothing is perfect but we have come into a moment where we have done things in a logical way when it comes to football and now we are at a good starting point for this new project.
There was plenty of talent. I was missing this composure, the minutes to go through difficult moments, this experience to know how to deal [with things] when things weren't going your way. And that leadership to help the young ones - this is no secret in football. Young ones, they need support and this support normally comes with players with more minutes and more experience in their legs."
