'Can't thank you enough', Luke O'Nien's tribute to departing Sunderland teammate Dennis Cirkin | OneFootball

Luke O’Nien has posted a heartfelt tribute to left-back Dennis Cirkin, who will leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer.

The player said in a post that the past five years were his most enjoyable, shaped by successes and setbacks. He described Cirkin alongside him in battles and stepping in when needed, praised his role in Sunderland’s recent progress and said his contribution had helped take the club into Europe. He added that Cirkin had made him a better man, player and team-mate, that he could not thank him enough, and wished him well.

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

The message appeared on Instagram with a series of photos of the pair at the Stadium of Light. It underlined O’Nien’s appreciation for Cirkin’s reliability in defining moments and during tougher periods.

Cirkin’s departure brings their shared spell to a close, with O’Nien emphasising the bond forged and offering heartfelt thanks as his team-mate moves on this summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo