Jason Denayer is looking forward to playing alongside close friend and international team-mate Adnan Januzaj.
Both born in Brussels, the duo grew up together and rose up the ranks on the international scene before breaking into the senior squad with Belgium.
The duo were reunited this summer at Sunderland with Januzaj signing from Manchester United – where he played under David Moyes – and Denayer joining on deadline day from rivals Manchester City.
And Denayer, 21, can’t wait to play alongside his good friend as they target a big impact at the Stadium of Light.
“It is great to have Adnan here,” said the Belgian. “It is not always easy to come to a new club when you know nobody, but he’s here to help me and I know him very well.
“We’re very good friends and we will be happy if we play together on the pitch.”
He continued: “I’m really excited to start my season with Sunderland; the last week has been very long and very difficult but now I’m really cool and I’m happy to be here.
“I came to the training ground at 9pm and stayed right until 11pm so it was very stressful, but I was very happy when it was finished and now its passed I’m looking forward to the season.
“It’s important for me to know all the people here – the staff, the coaches – and to feel comfortable with the players, so the international break is a good time for me to come here.”
