As we play Swansea later today, Ki Sung-Yueng has reflected on his loan spell on Wearside. He also mentions his adoration of both us and Swansea.
SPECIAL
“I played one season for Sunderland but it was very special for me. I was very impressed with the fans, the facility was really great and the atmosphere around the team was fantastic. I had a really great time with a lot of good players and with a good manager.”
ALWAYS BACKED
“When I was there, we changed a couple of managers. Paolo Di Canio, Kevin Ball and Gus Poyet were all there so for the first period, I was a little confused. But as soon as I adapted in the team and the system, I was really enjoying it. What I felt was really big support from them. Even when we were in difficult situations, the fans were always behind us."
LOAN SPELL
“That season, we won the last couple of games. Some miracles came and then we stayed in the league. Then I had to go back because I was a loan player. Even though it was one season, it was really enjoyable and I was really impressed with the fans.”
MOWBRAY
“Tony Mowbray was the manager who brought me to Celtic. We didn’t have a long period because after I played two or three games, he left. He was the one who brought me to where I started my career. I really missed him! After he left, I couldn’t play in the team so I had a difficult time for three months before the World Cup.”
FIRST GOAL V CHELSEA
“That was my first goal in England. I was in Swansea for my first year and I didn’t score but then moved to Sunderland and that was when I got my debut goal. I can still feel the feelings from that game. I cannot forget that goal. We went to the final of the League Cup. I was disappointed we couldn’t win the cup but I really liked the atmosphere in the stadium and the players were enjoying it as well.”
SWANSEA
“I was there for half of my career in England. It was a team that gave us an opportunity to play in the Premier League. In my last season, we were relegated to the Championship and I was really disappointed and felt sorry for the team. I had some good and bad memories with Swansea but I can say that it is a time I really really loved for five years. When I transferred to Swansea, the style of play was the main reason. They had a really good philosophy on how to play football.”
DIFFERENT ERA
“Now, the Premier League has very good players and very good managers but back then, not many teams tried to play from the back. The five years playing there gave us a lot of different ideas.”
WATCHING FROM HOME
“Both teams should be in the Premier League. They are fighting in the Championship and I am still interested in Sunderland and Swansea a lot. I have an affection with both teams. Hopefully they both fight in the right way to get promoted to the Premier League and I will be really pleased from Korea.”
