Granit Xhaka signed for Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen this summer

Former Sunderland striker Marc Gabbiadini has offered his opinion on recent comments from Granit Xhaka claiming that he joined the Black Cats because he believes it is “important to experience moments of suffering”.

The Swiss midfielder raised eyebrows across Europe when he decided to leave Bayer Leverkusen to sign for Regis Le Bris’ newly promoted side this summer, walking away from Champions League football to embrace a new challenge and - in the eyes of many - a potential relegation battle.

But speaking to the media back in his home country, Xhaka explained that he is eager to experience a full range of experiences ahead of a desired career in coaching once he decides to hang up his boots.

He said: “The club [Sunderland] reminds me of my parents’ beginnings: rising up from nothing. And I feel that this experience here will benefit me most for my future. I want to pursue a career as a coach at some point. That’s why it’s important to experience moments of suffering and solidarity. We’re going to have to suffer a lot in the coming months. That’s a different side of football, but it’s also part of it and it will shape me.”

What has Marco Gabbiadini said about Granit Xhaka’s “suffering” comments?

And during an appearance on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, ex-Sunderland star Gabbiadini suggested that Xhaka’s comments may be justified, but could also prove to be a tad premature, and perhaps even misguided.

He said: “I think it's going to be a battle [for Xhaka] in a different way. Battling at the top of a table is very different to battling to get to eight or nine wins in a season to make yourself assured of your place for next season. I think that's what he's trying to say. I think the suffering is maybe talking about the emotions that fans feel. That is what he's talking about, the journey that fans go through. And it's a big thing.

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“We've had it at both clubs in our region, haven't we? Newcastle all that time under Mike Ashley. I think that was a lot of suffering. Even though they were in the Premier League for most of it and finishing respectably in the table, they still were suffering. So it happens at lots of clubs.

“But I think it's a different story for him than being at a club that's challenging for cup finals and getting into Europe. Now, look, it might happen [for Sunderland] the way we've started, you never know. But realistically, I think we're all probably aware that it's going to be a tough season. It'll be a similar miracle to last year, in a way, if we finish in Europe, but it can be done. There'll be less suffering if that does happen.”

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