Dennis Cirkin leaves Wearside having made both his and Sunderland's dreams come true | OneFootball

Dennis Cirkin confirmed on Tuesday evening that he is leaving Sunderland, stating in a social media post that his time on Wearside had ended.

Of the double promotion-winning group, only Luke O’Nien and Trai Hume now look likely to remain next season. Patrick Roberts and Dan Neil have departed, and Anthony Patterson spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Millwall and is widely expected to seal a permanent exit in coming weeks.

The full-back’s future had long appeared uncertain, with his contract running down during a Premier League season that delivered European qualification. With Reinildo Mandava ahead of him in Regis Le Bris’ plans, an exit felt inevitable.

In an emotional farewell video, Cirkin traced his path from his first day at the Academy of Light to standout Championship displays. He scored against West Brom and Coventry City, added a run of headed goals, then walked out at Wembley last summer.

On the final day against Chelsea, he lingered on the pitch with jubilant team-mates, seemingly intent on absorbing the scale of Sunderland’s achievement.

Where he goes next remains to be seen. Injuries have occasionally been untimely, but if he can stay fit he could become a valuable option in the Championship, the Premier League, or abroad.

Cirkin leaves as a fully fledged Premier League footballer, having moved north five years ago to prove himself and grow into a well-rounded defender who helped Sunderland realise their own ambitions.

Source: Sunderland Echo