Granit Xhaka seems to have had a second coming since his exit from Arsenal. The Swiss ace has turned his career around, and with that, turned around the perception of him as a player.
A player who was once considered a meme, a hothead who contributed nothing except making fouls and collecting cards, a captain who was once booed by his own fans and asked to leave the club, has had a major career resurgence since… leaving the club.
After his exit from Arsenal, Xhaka joined Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped the German club win the Bundesliga from Bayern Munich, win the DFB-Pokal League Cup, and nearly win the Europa League to clinch a historic treble if it weren’t for a loss against Atalanta in the final.
His time at Sunderland has been even better. Xhaka’s splendid performances have helped the newly promoted club not just survive but thrive in their first season back.
With a goal and 4 assists, Xhaka, who is now in the twilight of his career, has put his experience to good use and led Sunderland to 6th in the table.
His captaincy and leadership are on display in every game as he leaves his heart and soul on the pitch. Even off the pitch, Xhaka doesn’t stop giving his all for the fans, as seen in this wholesome moment he shared with a Sunderland fan.
Ross Appleby, a Sunderland fan, posted a message for his dad on TikTok, stating that Sunderland is back in the Premier League and smashing it.
While not mentioned directly, it seems like Appleby and his dad have been long-time supporters of Sunderland, who used to go to matches (as shown in one of the photos). The two eagerly wanted to see their club return to the top flight, but unfortunately, the dad passed away before he could see Sunderland do that.
Ross, who was missing his dad, then made the post, thinking that he’d love to know about the current state of Sunderland and how they’re flying in the league.
Granit Xhaka, the current captain of Sunderland, dropped a comment claiming that the team will fight for Ross’ dad in every game, to which Ross was left speechless and couldn’t say anything but “Thank you captain”.
This gesture has not only won the heart of Ross and other Sunderland fans but of all corners of Football Twitter.
@josh_bw1: That’s a beautiful sentiment, Granit, showing such genuine connection!
@mitchsimpson: The name Granit Xhaka will be to Sunderland what Henry was to Arsenal, Shearer was to Newcastle etc in a few years. He’s going to be a club legend and I fucking love him
@BigRaw252: Xhaka dropping the classiest reply you’ll see all year. Sunderland vs Arsenal gonna feel different now… still smashing you lot though. Respect always.
@GGplayzOnX: I have, and always will love Granit Xhaka. One of the best footballers in our recent history and one of the kindest people to ever play for us
@Football_On_: That’s why football isn’t a sport, it’s a spirit of belonging. Just beautiful #SAFC
@CantStopLans: Xhaka is more than just a football captain, if war broke out you’d want him leading your unit.
@morecxlumafc: Love Granit Xhaka man. The way he revived his Arsenal career towards the end was inspirational to see. What a gesture
@Doddsy228904442: Quality that. There is just some players that get it man and us north east teams repect that more then anything!
@YanaSn0w1: That’s a beautiful, heartfelt moment of connection from Granit.
@cfcCami: Apart from xhaka being an arrogant player, I’d be honest that he’s got a great personality in there too.
@arrker_htun: Never like him at Arsenal but the way he leading and captaining his Sunderland side shows you how respectful he is.
@jamesrouel: It’s like Granit Xhaka’s was born and raised a Sunderland man. There may have never been a better signing. He just gets it.
@HansFromFinance: Xhaka is usually the villain but this is elite mentality. Building equity with the fanbase is how you survive the Premier League grind. You cannot buy that kind of connection. Respect the gesture, now go win the midfield battle.
@VLC176: The bloke is genuinely a touch of class. Still have to pinch myself that he actually plays for us!!
In a way, this is a full-circle moment for Granit Xhaka. A player who was once booed by his own red and white fans has found a home in another club wearing red and white, where he fights for the fans and the fans fight for him.
