Jermain Defoe was unable to hide his excitement when talking about the start of the 2016-17 Premier League season.
The Black Cats start their campaign with a tantalising trip to Manchester City with the attention of the footballing world firmly fixed on the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola ushers in a new era at the club.
Sunderland, meanwhile, are hoping to pick up where they left off under the management of David Moyes following a brilliant end to the 2015-16 season, with Defoe urging his team-mates to be solid, work for each other and take their chances.
A 5.30pm kick-off, Saturday’s game is the first of five key games according to the striker who can’t wait to get started.
“It’s always nice when you’re just a few days away from the new season,” said Defoe. “It’s so exciting and you just want to make sure you’re fit and ready to play.
“I had a little problem with my thigh but its fine now and I’ve trained without a problem for the last few days, so I’m feeling strong and I’m looking forward to it.”
He continued: “The first five games are important and its important we try and start the first five like we finished the last – we got 11 points which is top-four form.
“It’s not going to be easy and it’s a new season so it takes time to reach that level of fitness you get after a few months, but if you’re solid, have good team spirit like we do and take your chances you can get the points you need.
“The manager has been great and people always say that but he has been and so has training; he does a lot of possession and he wants us to improve every day so only positive things can come out of that.
“He’s a good coach and really hands-on with the players with good ideas.”
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