ADINGRA POST LEEDS

After scoring his first goal as a Sunderland player, Simon Adingra opened up about his disappointment of not being involved at AFCON and the tough start to his SAFC career...

FIRST GOAL

“It was really good to score and in front of our fans, my first goal for Sunderland, a good feeling. Obviously, I’ve had a tough moment during the start of the season. It was a little bit challenging for me, but today I had my chance, my opportunity. I hope I will keep going. It is always like this at the Stadium of Light. We always count on our supporters and they never disappoint.”

DROPPED FROM IVORY COAST TEAM

"Yeah, it’s a disappointing period for me not to be with my national team. But at the same time, I have my opportunity now here, and it’s up to me to step up and show the coach. He has been good, like my teammates, the whole club, they have all been supporting me. They know how I feel, not being there."

START TO THE SEASON

“It was tough, like, I didn’t start well, and I didn’t have a lot of playing time. Obviously, if you don’t play for your club, you can’t make it to the national team. The last AFCON, I participated in it, to win it with my national team, so of course I was expecting to go, but... another plan. I’m here now, full focus on Sunderland.”

CHANCE TO IMPRESS

“I was not playing enough, and now we have some teammates missing in the squad. It’s my opportunity now. I feel that I am ready now, I have to show my coach he can count on me.”

TALK WITH AMAD

“Amad (Diallo) told me about the fans here, how they care for you. The first game here was amazing. I’m motivated now.”