Joel Asoro paid tribute to his team-mates and the travelling red and white army following a night to remember in Evian.
The 17-year-old lit up the Stade Camille-Fournier as Sunderland battled to a 3-2 win over Dijon FCO, opening the scoring with a superb solo finish before dazzling down the right to assist Wahbi Khazri’s first goal of pre-season.
An under-18 regular, the Swedish sensation was superb for David Moyes’ side and when he exited the field of play with 63 minutes played he received a standing ovation from all in attendance.
Speaking post-match, Asoro admitted he had to pinch himself after walking off the pitch and hearing the club’s new manager congratulate him on a job well done.
“You don’t always get opportunities like this so I’m happy I took it and even happier I scored,” said the 17-year-old. “I wasn’t expecting it but like I said when you get the chance you have to do something special, so I just tried my best and hopefully that was enough.
“I got an assist as well but I have to say thank you to the lads because they’ve helped me a lot in training and told me what to do, and it’s easy to come into the group because everyone talks to everyone and there is a real togetherness.”
He continued: “The manager just told me to keep on going, not be content and to keep doing my thing.
“I was surprised and humbled by the fans [when they gave me a standing ovation], so I have a lot of love for them and I’m surprised they’ve come all the way over here to France.
“They probably hadn’t heard of me before kick-off, but they have now.”
