‘Amazing’ says Roberts as he signs new deal at Black Cats
SUNDERLAND winger Patrick Roberts has expressed his delight at cementing his Sunderland future after signing a new two-year contract.
Roberts, who joined the Black Cats on a short-term deal from Manchester City in January, will now stay with the Wearsiders until 2024, and is looking forward to the challenge of competing in the Championship.
In an interview with the club website, Roberts said: “My mind has always been made up about where I want to be and it feels amazing to be back after what we achieved last season. I’m pleased that we have done the deal early because I can now enjoy preseason and get ready for the new campaign, which I felt was important.
“The club and the staff, including the gaffer, have been amazing and now I just want to do my best for all of those people and take us even further forward.”
It was Roberts who scored the pivotal goal in the play-off semifinal second leg at Hillsborough that sent Sunderland to Wembley.
Sunderland boss Alex Neil was equally pleased that Roberts will be staying at the club, saying: “I’ve always liked Patrick as a player and I’ve tried to sign him on a couple of occasions for different clubs.
“From working with him during my time here, he is exactly what I anticipated.
“He has real quality, can make the difference in big games and he has an excellent work ethic and attitude. He will be a really important player for us once again next season.”
Roberts has played in the Championship before with Fulham, Derby County and Middlesbrough, in a career that has also seen him play in France and Spain and help Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title.