Vito Mannone has shared his admiration for Jim Montgomery as Sunderland AFC celebrate his 73rd birthday.
The 28-year-old has reflected on Monty’s time at the club and the influence one of the Black Cats' most celebrated stars has had on him.
Montgomery is Sunderland’s all-time record appearance-maker having featured 623 times for the club after making his debut in 1960.
The stopper served the club for 17 years and was part of the 1973 FA Cup winning side that triumphed as Ian Porterfield’s strike saw Bob Stokoe’s side defeat Leeds United at Wembley.
Now operating as a leading ambassador for the club, Montgomery has always remained close to his roots as he continues to represent Sunderland with pride.
And as the former stopper celebrates his 73rd birthday, Mannone has paid homage to the Hendon-born star.
“I would like to wish him a very happy birthday,” he said.
“Since I have been at the club he has been an inspiration to me and it has been nice to get to know him.
“He is a very good man, a gentleman in football and I’m still happy that he wants to come and watch training.
“It’s his 73rd birthday and I’m sure he has enjoyed all his years and his career because he has been amazing.
"All I can say is I would like replicate what he has done,” he continued.
"He will always be loved because he has dedicated his life to Sunderland. He deserves to have a great day.
“He is loved up here and rightly so, he was a very good goalkeeper by the videos I have seen and by the sound of what I have heard in my time at Sunderland.
“He keeps going as an ambassador of the club and he is still very much loved by every one.”
Happy birthday, Jimmy!
