Larsson: My future plans can wait

“There are clearly issues why we have been down there, why have we not managed to kick on when we have had good endings to seasons. “It’s a big summer. “You have to look at it as a big opportunity to get things right and hopefully bounce back at the first attempt.

“The issues need properly addressing in the summer.

“It’s not for me to say here [what the problems are], it’s for everyone connected to the club to look at. As players, we are responsible for what happened on the pitch and we deserve where we are.

“I think everyone needs to look at it as an opportunity to get things right for the future.”

It is not yet clear whether Larsson will stay for the Championship campaign.

David Moyes has said that he will look to keep one or two experienced players on, but the ex-Birmingham City midfielder has already been linked with a move to Fiorentina. Larsson has indicated that no final decision has been made.

He said: “I have focused everything on doing my best when I got back from injury.

“Everyone knows my contract is up and I will decide my future during the summer.

“I have enjoyed every season here, which might seem strange, but I have enjoyed my time here. I am sure there will be discussions during the summer. Now is not the right time to talk about what the future holds – it’s not about me.

“It’s about the club and for the club to do the right things for Sunderland Football Club, to make sure they do the right things next year.

“My own situation will be discussedduringthesummer.”

Larsson also said that it was an easy decision to stay on the pitch to applaud the fans at full-time following Saturday’s final home game of the season, the 2-0 defeat to Swansea.

The Swede showed his appreciation to all of the Stadium after a difficult afternoon, and hailed their support throughout his six years on Wearside.

He said: “It’s not the fans who have been on the pitch this season, we have had tremendous support throughout my six years here even though there have not been enough highlights. They come in their swathes home and away. You have to thank them.

“They are a set of great fans that deserve Premier League football and unfortunately that’s not going to be the case next year. Fingers crossed it will only be for one year, because they deserve it.”