Dennis Cirkin confirms Sunderland exit after heartfelt Instagram message | OneFootball

Dennis Cirkin has confirmed he will leave Sunderland this summer, posting on Instagram to say representing the club was "one of the greatest privileges of my life". The player said in a post that his goodbye had arrived sooner than expected.

The 24-year-old left back arrived from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, when the club were in League One, and made more than 100 appearances as Sunderland climbed back to the Premier League. He featured 10 times in the top flight this season, his last outing a draw at Wolves in early May.

Injuries again restricted his campaign, yet he remained a favourite after helping win promotion under Alex Neil and then emerging as a standout in the Championship. The announcement comes before the club’s retained list is published.

In his farewell message he thanked Sunderland for the chance he craved, praised the city’s pride and passion, and described walking out at the Stadium of Light as a feeling he would chase for life. The message reflected on arriving as a boy chasing a dream and leaving while carrying the place with him.

In April head coach Regis Le Bris said the situation was uncertain, noting strong competition at full-back and that it was hard to be the fourth option at the end of a contract. He said a parting might follow unless both sides aligned, and Cirkin had earlier impressed during AFCON before Trai Hume was used at left back at Villa Park.

Source: Sunderland Echo