DeAndre Yedlin has paid tribute to Sunderland’s players, staff and fans following the end of the 2015-16 season.
The USA international moved to Wearside last summer signing on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and he played a key role, particularly during the closing stages of the campaign, as the Black Cats renewed their Premier League status.
Born in Seattle, Yedlin progressed through the ranks at his boyhood club – the Sounders – before moving across the pond in January 2015, but the last 12 months have seen the defender feel very much at home.
“My time at Sunderland has been unbelievable,” said Yedlin. “It’s my first run at Premier League soccer so I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
“Everybody at the club welcomed me in with open arms and the fans were amazing throughout the season, so I couldn’t have asked for a better club to start my time in England.”
He added: “I feel blessed to have had the chance to play for Sunderland.”
And the USA international admitted the relationships built during his time on Wearside will never be forgotten.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I first came up here. People had spoken about the club and the fans but it’s been better than I could ever have wished for – even on the last day when we were playing for nothing the fans created an unbelievable atmosphere.
“The staff have treated me brilliantly and the players have a very tight-knit locker room, so it’s been an amazing experience from start to finish.”
