Van Aanholt claims Moyes’ training sessions behind exit
Patrick van Aanholt has lifted the lid on why he forced throughaJanuarymovefrom Sunderland to Crystal Palace.
The Dutch left-back joined relegation rivals Palace in deal that could be worth up to £14million after telling officials at the Stadium of Light that he no longer wanted to play for Sunderland.
And now van Aanholt has revealed the reasons why, claiming he didn’t enjoy manager David Moyes’ training sessions and had lost his “love for the game” on Wearside.
“I did not enjoy David Moyes’ training sessions,” said van Aanholt.
“Eventually I lost my love for the game, and went into the dressing-room feeling annoyed every day.
“When Sunderland turned down an offer for me from Crystal Palace I went to see Moyes in his office three or four times.
“I was angry. I told him: ‘Accept Palace’s bid and just letmeleave-itis the best thing for all concerned.’
“But he said that he wanted to keep hold of me.”
Speaking at the time, Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said the club did what they felt was right for Sunderland in selling the left-back after he had openl y stated he no longer wanted to play for the Black Cats. Former Sunderland and England boss Sam Allardyce signed van Aanholt for the Eagles in the January transfer window. Van Aanholt has also re- vealed how former Palace boss Alan Pardew once cheekily encouraged him to move to Selhurst Park - during a game two years ago.
Reflecting on the incident two years ago, van Aanholt told The Sun: “I was playing for Sunderland when we were at home to Palace.
“Just as I was getting ready to take a throw-in Alan Pardew came along the touchline towards me and said: ‘Come and play for my team next year.’
“In the middle of a game, eh? I found that really funny.
“Then I told him: ‘OK, no problem.’”
Palace are 16th in the Premier League, three points above the drop zone and 11 points clear of Sunderland who are rooted to the bottom of the league ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Sunday lunchtime.