Xhaka made 297 appearances for Arsenal, winning two FA Cups.

But he was something of a pantomime villain – and sometimes much-maligned – at the Gunners.

He was sent off five times for Arsenal and spent six weeks as captain in 2019, clashed with his own fans and was stripped of the armband.

But things went better under Mikel Arteta and he became an important player before leaving in 2023 for Leverkusen, where he helped them to their first Bundesliga title during his opening season.

“When he had the situation with Arsenal, when he fell out with the fans it showed his character to go and play for Arsenal again,” Rooney added.

“To get through that and then go and perform for Arsenal, and then at Leverkusen to be part of a team to beat Bayern Munich to the title for the first time in over 10 years has shown what a good player he is.

“Sunderland have got a very young squad as well. He’d almost be like a father figure and he’ll be a big help for the coach as well to be the in-between man as captain.

“And they made a lot of signings in the summer, he’ll be a massive help for the manager and with them players, for sure, using his experience.”