EPL: Why I rejected Chelsea under Alonso – Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka

Sunderland midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has explained why he rejected the chance to join Chelsea under their manager Xabi Alonso during the summer transfer window.

Xhaka worked with Alonso during their time at Bayer Leverkusen, and they won the Bundesliga title.

Chelsea was interested in bringing the Switzerland international to Stamford Bridge to reunite with Alonso.

However, the former Arsenal star decided not to join the Blues as he ended up remaining at Sunderland.

Speaking on his decision not to join Chelsea, Xhaka said on The Sports Agents podcast, “I want to enjoy European football with this football club [Sunderland].

“When I spoke with the owner of Sunderland, I told him from the beginning, I don’t have the feeling that this project is done yet, and this is my motivation, that is why they put me here, and that’s why I’m still here to get to the next step.

“Of course, it’s a big privilege for me that Xabi Alonso, whom I worked with, wanted me again. It’s a big privilege that a football club like Chelsea wants a player, nearly 34 years old.”