Luke O'Nien thanks departing Sunderland team-mate Dennis Cirkin in heartfelt Instagram tribute | OneFootball

In an Instagram post, Luke O’Nien paid a heartfelt tribute to Dennis Cirkin after the defender confirmed his exit from Sunderland.

Earlier this week, Cirkin confirmed he will leave the Black Cats when his contract expires this summer.

O’Nien and Cirkin were among a small group to have celebrated two promotions on Wearside in recent years, alongside Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil and Anthony Patterson.

In his message, O’Nien reflected that the past five years were the most enjoyable of his career, valuing seasons of setback as well as success. He pictured the good and the bad with Cirkin to his left in battle, and at times behind him covering after his own errors. He praised his team-mate’s presence in standout moments and when the team needed someone to step up.

The message described Cirkin as a major architect of Sunderland’s recent progress, which it presented as having taken the club into Europe. It credited the left-back with making O’Nien a better man, player and team-mate, and closed with heartfelt thanks and best wishes.

Source: Sunderland Echo