CIRKIN FEELING PROUD

After digesting what he and his teammates have achieved, Dennis Cirkin has shared his pride in bringing us back to the top flight. Even though the season ended almost three weeks ago, Cirkin already can't wait for the challenges that lie ahead.

TWO TIME WEMBLEY WINNER

“I feel incredibly grateful to have lifted a trophy once, let alone twice at Wembley. Walking up those steps to collect your medal is a feeling like no other. When you’ve left everything out on the pitch and you know you’ve done it."

TIL THE END

“The game against Sheffield United was almost the story of our season in 90 minutes. Riding out difficult moments, digging deep and finding that will to win. It makes it all the more special that we won in the way that we did. We did truly battle ‘til the end.”

ULTIMATE GOAL

"When I first joined the Club, the ultimate goal was to one day get Sunderland back the Premier League. Since I pushed to becoming a first-team regular in League One, you could feel within the closeness of the group that we wouldn’t stop until we got back For as long as I’ve known Sunderland, they have always been a Premier League club and the last eight years have been well-documented. There has always been a huge drive to get back there and we did it in some style."

MAKING THE FANS PROUD

"This fanbase and the city demands that and it has never been lost on us as players. But that’s been a pressure we’ve relished this season. I always felt like it’s been our duty to push ourselves to give them a Club that they can be proud of. I’m sure they felt pride on that day and they will going into next season.”

HUNGRY FOR MORE

“It hasn’t been long since the season finished but I’m already looking forward to coming back. This is what we’ve all been working towards. We’re not going to be here to stand on ceremony. That first game will be a special occasion but our season won’t be just about that. We know it’s going to be a huge challenge but we’ll be ready to take that head on.”