Granit Xhaka has expressed strong ambitions for Sunderland’s Europa League campaign, as the club prepares to face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in their first European competition in more than five decades. Sunderland qualified for the tournament for the first time in 53 years, a feat the Switzerland captain admits few anticipated when he joined the club a year ago.

Xhaka, 33, who captains both Sunderland and the Swiss national team, turned down a move to Chelsea this summer despite rumors of reuniting with former coach Xabi Alonso, with whom he won the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 season. Instead, he committed to Sunderland on a long-term contract following a surprise £17 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen and praised the club’s culture and community spirit.

“Not many people expected Sunderland to qualify for Europe and not many believed in us but we did it,” Xhaka said ahead of the Europa League opener at the Stadium of Light. “The Premier League is our priority but the bonus, the Europa League, is something we were trying to get. I’ve been in a Europa League final twice and lost twice, so it’s a big dream to get to another final and win it.”

Xhaka urged the Sunderland supporters to create an electric atmosphere for the club’s continental return. “I’m looking forward to seeing the stadium on fire and I want to see our players on fire for every ball. After the hard work of last season, the fans, players, and everyone behind the scenes deserve to be where we are. There’s nothing better than playing European football and competing against the best,” he added.

Sunderland’s only previous foray into European competition came after their unexpected 1973 FA Cup victory over Leeds United, which earned them qualification for the European Cup Winners’ Cup, marking their last major trophy win.

Manager Regis Le Bris acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the significance of the occasion for the club and its supporters. “We know it will be challenging but this is a special moment and positive for the fans, players and whole community,” Le Bris said.

As Sunderland embarks on this historic chapter, Xhaka’s leadership and experience will be central to the club’s ambitions on the European stage.