Reaching Europa League final with Sunderland 'a big dream' - Xhaka

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka says the Stadium of Light "will be on fire" when the Black Cats return to European football for the first time in 53 years against AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday. Xhaka is set to lead out Regis le Bris' side on a landmark night, just over a year since the club returned to the Premier League after an eight-year absence. The 33-year-old has experienced his fair share of big occasions across his career at the top level - winning two FA Cups as well as league titles in Germany and Switzerland,, and losing Europa League finals with both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen - but sees Wednesday's opener as a special prospect. "It means a lot. We knew that last season we wrote something in our history to be back after 53 years, and starting to feel the excitement from the people as well," said Xhaka. "The stadium will be on fire tomorrow because the fans deserve it and the football club deserves it, but after the hard work last season, the players deserve to be where we are as well. "The excitement is one side and the other part is to enjoy the game as because there's nothing better than playing European football, to compete against the best ones in Europe, and to try to get as much as possible. "We want to give our fans the joy and good results - let's go for it. "For sure, the Premier League is our priority. But, the bonus of the Europa League is something that we are trying to get and that's a big challenge for us. "I've twice been in the Europa League final, lost twice in the final, so for me it's a big dream to get another final and to get it with this football club." Hear more from Xhaka above or on BBC Sounds