Forgotten Man City man Patrick Roberts joins Sunderland on permanent transfer after ONE appearance in seven years
SUNDERLAND have signed winger Patrick Roberts from Manchester City on an initial six-month contract.
The League One Black Cats have the option of extending it at the end of the season in a deal that could be worth up to £3million.
The winger, 24, leaves the Citizens after seven years and EIGHT loans, with his last coming at French side Troyes.
Roberts, who is available to face Portsmouth on Saturday, said: “I can’t wait to get going.
"I came to the game against Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago to get a feel for it and it was great to watch.
"It's something that I wanted to be a part of.
"The fans want you to do well and work hard every matchday and that pressure and expectation is something I thrive off.
"I just want to do well for the people that support me and get Sunderland back to where they belong.”
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Roberts spent 30 months on loan at Celtic between 2016 and 2018, landing three titles.
And Wearsiders boss Lee Johnson added: “This is an amazing opportunity – for him and the club – to give him the love he requires at a standard whereby we think he can excel and then come with us to the next level.
“He thrives on the big occasion and the beauty of Sunderland is that there is a big occasion every three days.
"We hope that this is the place he calls home for a number of years.”
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