Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has declared the Wear-Tyne derby against Newcastle United to be the “biggest rivalry match” of his career, prioritizing a victory to “give the fans and the club something big.”
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has delivered a bold warning to Newcastle United, claiming Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby will be the biggest rivalry match he has ever faced in his career.
The Swiss midfielder, who has played in the North London derby and European fixtures, stressed the importance of the game, stating: “I had many rivals as well in my career, but I think this one will be the biggest.”
The former Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen player, named captain after joining in July, highlighted the clear objective ahead of the first league derby in nine years.
Xhaka affirmed the team’s sole focus in the high-stakes contest: “Let’s try and give the fans and the club something big.
We have one objective, and it’s to win the game.” His comments underscore the magnitude of the occasion for both clubs.