‘Everyone was in a really good mood and we really enjoyed it’
Going into the final day of the season, they still had a chance to finish in the top half. They needed three points at Upton Park and other results to go their way.
By this point, Zenden had made a big decision.
He had not played as much football as he would have liked andthoughSteveBrucewaseager to keep him, his mind was made up.
He would leave that summer and as a nod to his excellent service over two exciting seasons, he captained the side atalready-relegatedWestHam.
Heopenedthescoringwith a brilliant header, only inches insidetheboxashemetAhmed Elmohamaday’s cross, looping his effort over Rob Green.
SimonMignoletwasforced into some big saves thereafter but Sunderland ran out comfortableandemphatic3-0winners,StephaneSessegnonand Cristian Riveros getting on the scoresheet.
“I scored the opening goal with a header in my last game as a professional player,” Zenden recalls.
“I started the game as captain and by winning we finished the league in 10th.
“Everyone was in a really good mood after the game and we really enjoyed it.
“I already knew it was my last game for the club as I had decided to leave but I didn't know it was my last game as a professional.
“It never came to a new deal at a new club before startingmymanagerialcareerasan assistant manager at Chelsea in 2012.”
Zenden left on a high, but speaking to the BBC after the game,Bruceadmitteditwould be tinged with regret.
“Icanunderstand,we’veall been there,” he said.
“I can’t offer him one thing, a guaranteed place.
“MaybeIshouldhaveplayed him more during the horrible run we had but up until January, there was no room for him as we were playing well.
“He’s a great pro and I wish him well.”
Itwouldprovetobethehigh watermark of Sunderland’s Premier League spell.
Bruce struggled the season after and Sunderland never threatened the upper reaches of the league again.
Zenden’s professionalism and quality, as well as that dance with Gyan at Stamford Bridge, means he remains a popular figure on Wearside.
“I enjoyed my time at the club,” he says.
“It was one that was very much involved in the community with its foundation.”
Zenden’s coaching career continues to progress.
HeiscurrentlyassistingErnest Faber at PSV Eindhoven.
Heisunsureyetwhetherhe wishestopursuemanagement inhisownright,butsucharich background in the game mean there are always likely to be opportunities for the popular Dutchman.