Ex-Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe reveals the truth behind his League One snub

The former Sunderland striker was training with the Black Cats’ third tier rivals as he looked to return to football after an 18-month exile.

But the Nigerian, who last played for Chinese side Beijing Enterprises, left South Yorkshire in October to return to his homeland – with Rovers boss Darren Moore suggesting that a lack of fitness meant he was not offered a deal.

But Anichebe has now broken his silence on his spell training with Rovers, and has claimed that he was in fact offered numerous deals by Moore’s men – only to reject their advances.

Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “I’ve been receiving quite a few messages from y’all about my future.

“I’ve been forwarded some reports that I wasn’t offered a contract from Doncaster Rovers whilst I was training there for fitness.

“No disrespect to Doncaster but this is so far from the truth it’s insane.

“They offered various contracts just as many others have which I’m incredibly grateful for….but I declined.

“Doncaster is a great club with an incredible manager and most importantly an incredibly [sic] person in Darren Moore. The players were such a joy to work with every morning.

“I realised just how much I missed it.

“I just needed to clarify the situation...everyone knows me I usually keep quiet but just needed to clarify.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland youngster Jack Diamond has revealed how his loan spell with Harrogate Town is aiding his development.

The up-and-coming forward joined the National League side earlier this season on a temporary basis – and has quickly caught the eye at the CNG Stadium.

“I'm enjoying it, I'm enjoying it a lot,” admitted Diamond.

"It was easy to settle in. I knew Becky [Mark Beck], he's from my end and it was easy enough to get to know the lads, they're all sound.

"It's competitive and much different from under-23s football, but it's good to be playing games.

"It's one of the biggest things for my development. Men's football is where I want to be, it's first-team football, and under-23s games, nobody really looks at them.