Sunderland’s Alex Pritchard has issued an emotional message of thanks to fans after his departure
Alex Pritchard has bid Sunderland fans a tearful farewell following his move to Birmingham City.
On the eve of the deadline, Pritchard was reunited with Tony Mowbray following the rather contentious end of his highly successful tenure on Wearside. The Black Cats offered the attacking midfielder a one-year extension, but he declined, therefore he withdrew from consideration for the Stoke City match.
But once a “suitable” deal was negotiated, both sides made a clear effort to put that drama behind them, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman praising the 30-year-old for his commitment to the team.
In his initial interview with Birmingham City media outlets, Pritchard maintained that he had “no bad blood” with the team. He has since thanked Sunderland supporters on social media for their support during what was an extremely thrilling period for both the player and the club.
This afternoon, Pritchard sent the following message on Instagram along with pictures from his time with the team, such as the victory in the League One play-off final at Wembley and the takeover of Trafalgar Square: “Dear Sunderland supporters, employees, and teammates.
“I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing fans, dedicated staff, and everyone associated with the club. Your unwavering support and passion have meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the unforgettable memories we’ve shared.
“I am immensely proud of the part I played in our promotion and the exhilarating experiences of competing in the Championship. “These moments will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I will cherish them for the rest of my career.
“Stability and security are critical at this stage of my career, so I had to look into alternative options to see what would be best for my future. I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart once more for your amazing support and the great trip we have shared. I’ll always remember my time at Sunderland with pride and affection. I hope your future is filled with nothing but prosperity. With best wishes, Pritch.”
Pritchard and Mowbray will face their former club on February 17th.
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