Juan Sartori hails Sunderland after historic Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Juan Sartori hailed Sunderland’s landmark achievement after European qualification was clinched with a win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light. According to Sunderland Echo, the ownership figure celebrated on the pitch with his family and shared a message on social media.

Régis Le Bris’ side have risen from League One to Europe in four years, sealing continental football one year after promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Sartori posted a family photo from the pitch and called it among the finest moments of his life, adding a nod to Sunderland in the Europa League. His note captured the emotion felt across the club as players, staff, supporters and owners marked a watershed occasion.

The ownership, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Sartori prominent figures, have overseen a dramatic reset since 2022. Sunderland won promotion to the Championship, returned to the Premier League, then secured European football in their first season back.

The result sparked jubilant scenes inside the Stadium of Light, with celebrations continuing long after the final whistle. It also followed heavy backing last summer and has rewarded the ownership’s ambition with one of the Premier League era’s more unexpected European qualifications.

Sunderland have reached Europe for the first time since 1973-74, ending a 53-year wait. Their seventh-place finish delivered only the club’s fifth top-flight top-10 in 70 years.

Source: Sunderland Echo