'Go shine': Chris Rigg, Leo Hjelde and Dan Ballard react to Dan Neil departure | OneFootball

Sunderland’s first-team shared heartfelt tributes as Dan Neil’s 18-year journey at his boyhood club reached its end.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 22-year-old has joined Ipswich Town on loan until the end of the season and will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this summer.

Romaine Mundle posted a match-day image with Neil wearing the armband, thanked him and added the words “Go shine”.

Leo Hjelde shared a photo of Neil lifting the Championship play-off trophy at Wembley, praised his Sunderland career and wished him well in his next adventure.

Teenager Chris Rigg reposted the club’s montage and thanked the skipper, while Dan Ballard reshared the same graphic and called Neil a legend.

Neil made 201 senior appearances, helping Sunderland win promotion from League One and then the Championship, and captained the side at Wembley as the club returned to the Premier League.

With his minutes reduced this season, he has taken a fresh challenge with promotion-chasing Ipswich to seek regular football. In a farewell message he thanked coaches, team-mates, staff and supporters, expressed pride in those achievements, and described captaining Sunderland as a boyhood dream while looking forward to what comes next.

Source: Sunderland Echo