Defender doesn’t fancy League One
BRYAN Oviedo has admitted he could leave Sunderland this summer after the club’s relegation from the Championship – although his love of the club means he won’t force an exit.
The left-back has been at the club for 18 months having signed from Everton in January 2017.
One of the Black Cats’ most consistent performers this term, the Costa Rica international said he loves the club and is saddened by relegation, but has admitted he will find it tough to drop into the third tier of English football.
He told Argentinian newspaper La Nacion: “I can not say because I have nothing concrete and I have to wait.
“I have to talk to my representative and talk to the club to see what the plan is because I have two years (left) of (my) contract here.
“I think Sunderland is a great club and I know they will want to return to the Premier League soon. I will also wait to see what they tell me.
“The truth is I do not know (where I will play next season), it is a very difficult league because teams play very direct.
“I know that for me it is not the most suitable. I wouldn’t like to play in that league. I would wait for some option and I leave everything in the hands of God.”
Oviedo has played 35 first-team games this season.
After an injury-ravaged four-and-ahalf years at Everton, the 28-year-old said it has been pleasing to play regularly.
“For me, playing. Having minutes helped me a lot,” he said. “I am in the best form of my career. This gives me confidence in the face of the national team. I want to show the good thing I did here that maybe it was not seen by the descent.
“The truth was difficult (accepting relegation for a second time). It is very difficult to get relegated twice in a row.
“I personally feel that I did a good job. I’m happy and I was able to help, I think I had a good season.
“Sunderland had been fighting the relegation for many years, they did what they could to stay in the Premier League and could not.
“This year was more difficult because they did not want to sign up players to help us. Most of the players who came were loans and that complicated everything.”
Oviedo expects to have his Stadium of Light swansong on Sunday when the Black Cats host Wolves in their season closer.
Before he then meets up with the national team where they will oppose England in a friendly next month before heading to Russia for the World Cup.
He said: “The World Cup makes me very happy despite the circumstances. In a very short time football will give me a joy after this sadness.