Andrew Nelson thanked Sunderland fans for turning up in their thousands to support the Lads in their first-ever Premier League International Cup final against FC Porto.
The Portuguese giants produced a silky-smooth display as they slipped through the gears on their way to a 5-0 win on Wearside to be crowned champions.
And while Nelson shared his disappoint, the forward paid homage to the red and white for attending the match.
“We have done great to get this far because it is a European cup final at the end of the day,” he said.
“It is unheard of but fair play to Porto they did everything right.
“They took their chances, they did the dirty side of the game, put us really under pressure and unfortunately it was just a bit too much for us.
“It is fantastic because when I was at Hartlepool United that was the most I played in front of,” he continued.
“Growing up in the academy you dream of playing in front of attendances that high.
“The fact that 20,000 fans turned up is amazing. All the lads appreciate it because we said in the changing room before, it is incredible.
“We couldn’t have asked much more really and it was nice to see us get the recognition for our great run in the cup.”
