Xhaka has been outstanding for Sunderland since joining in the summer from Bayer Leverkusen.
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He told safc.com: “I felt it in a similar way to where I grew up in Basel. I felt like I’m back home.
“You can see how much they are doing for us. The stadium is full at home and away. Our thing is to give them something back, they deserve a smile.
“I know they were struggling for many years. It’s us in the end that needs to give them something back.”
Xhaka also stated: “I am a different Granit on and off the pitch. I want to win. I will do everything to win on the pitch.
“Off the pitch, I’m a very relaxed guy. I like to joke, laugh and try to be an example for the next generation."