Luke O'Nien thanks departing Sunderland teammate Dennis Cirkin in heartfelt message | OneFootball

Luke O'Nien has paid tribute to departing teammate Dennis Cirkin after the left-back confirmed earlier this week that he will leave Sunderland when his contract expires this summer.

O'Nien said in a post that the past five years had been the most enjoyable of his career, not only the successful campaigns but also the seasons when the team fell short and had to improve. He shared several photos alongside his message.

He reflected that, when he thinks of the highs and lows, Cirkin was regularly on his left going into battle, and at times behind him covering when he made mistakes. He praised Cirkin for stepping up whenever he or the team needed someone.

O'Nien described Cirkin as a key figure in the progress that has taken the club into Europe, and said his teammate had made him a better man, player and colleague. He added that he could not thank Cirkin enough, called him family and wished him well.

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

Source: Sunderland Echo