Stewart Donald issues update on Juan Sartori's Sunderland future after exit rumours

Sartori, who purchased a 20% stake in the club over the summer, has recently confirmed that he will be running for the Uruguayan presidency.

The 37-year-old will run for the right-wing National Party and, after confirming his candidacy, revealed that he will be returning to his homeland while ending many of his business interests.

Speaking to Uruguayan outlet Teledoce, he said: "I am leaving all my companies, leaving the directories, quoting on the stock exchange and selling several companies.

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"You have to make politics without conflicts of interest: the best way is to do one thing or another.

"The campaign will finance it by contributing what I can, according to the legal framework that is in force. In addition to raising among the people, who not only contribute with resources but with ideas."

Such comments led many to speculate as to whether Sartori would be ending his association with Sunderland - but fellow director Donald has confirmed that he remains fully invested in the club.

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Indeed, the Black Cats' confirmed that Sartori is now a fully-fledged Sunderland fan and that there was no need for supporters to panic.

In a series of replies to supporters, Donald said: "No he is with us. Not going anywhere.

"We only chatted this week and he is busy but good.

"He knew this man [sic] happen when he get involved.

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"He is busy but he is [a] Sunderland fan now so no panic."

Despite his overseas residence, Sartori has been a regular attendee at the Stadium of Light this season, often bring friends to sample the famous Wearside atmosphere and joining Wearsiders in the newly-named Roker End.

While he quickly won over Sunderland fans, the Uruguayan will now have to win over the people of his homeland ahead of primary elections in June of next year.

If successfully elected as his parties candidate, Sartori will then stand in the general election in October 2019.