
Aaron Connolly's time at Sunderland has come to an end as the striker has been allowed to join Millwall.
Connolly arrived on Wearside with Premier League experience, although he admitted to struggling with alcohol addiction. The striker revealed that he spent a month in rehab over the summer after leaving Hull City, and signed a deal with Sunderland until the end of the season in an attempt to get his playing career back on track.
However, despite showing glimpses of quality Connolly unfortunately did not suit Sunderland's system and Regis Le Bris was unable to find a role in the side for the former Republic of Ireland international. The 24-year-old started just two league games for Sunderland and his only goal in red and white actually came against his new club Millwall.
Aaron soon found himself below Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda in the pecking order and The Lions, now managed by Alex Neil, have taken the former Brighton man on until the end of the season.
His final start on Wearside came in the FA Cup against Stoke - a cup exit which looks to have hastened his departure, taking his total appearances for SAFC to three starts and eight as a substitute.
Kristaan Speakman said: “Aaron leaves with our best wishes and we thank him for his contribution this season. He's in a really good place and has a desire to play more regular minutes, which is only natural considering his journey. I’m really pleased for him, as sometimes it’s forgotten that these players are regular people, who need care and support. We enjoy developing players and I think we’ve played an important part in Aaron’s story, which is something our players, staff, and supporters should be very proud of.”
Connolly added: “When I spoke to Kristjaan, I just thanked him for the opportunity this Club gave me when many others wouldn’t. It is something I will never forget and the love I felt from the fans after my first interview until my final game is something that I will always be grateful for. Physically and mentally, I leave Sunderland in a good place and I owe a lot of that to the people at the Club, including my team-mates and the staff. I’m now ready to play games regularly and I appreciate the Club’s understanding in allowing me to pursue this opportunity. I wish everyone at Sunderland the best of luck for what I’m sure will be a memorable end to a great season.”
Millwall's Director of Football, Steve Gallen, also said: "We're pleased to bring Aaron into the club. When Alex and I met him, we really liked his enthusiasm for what we want to do here. Aaron's been a bit unlucky not to play a bit more at Sunderland this season, but that has given us an opportunity to get him in. Still only 24, Aaron has a lot of experience for his age. He is at his best when running at defenders and we hope he gets plenty of opportunities to do that with us."