Hal Robson-Kanu sends classy Luke O'Nien message after Sunderland's major European achievement
Luke O'Nien has received recognition for his football journey after helping Sunderland qualify for the Europa League
Former Premier League forward Hal Robson-Kanu has sent a classy message to Luke O'Nien after the Sunderland defender helped the club qualify for the Europa League.
O'Nien has become one of the defining figures of Sunderland's rise in recent years, having joined the club in League One before playing a key role in their return to the Premier League and subsequent European qualification.
The former Wycombe Wanderers man initially arrived as a midfielder but has since played in several positions for the Black Cats, including full-back and centre-back. His adaptability has proved particularly valuable across Sunderland's rise, while his leadership has also been a major part of his importance within the dressing room.
The 31-year-old's journey has been far from conventional. After being released by Watford earlier in his career, O'Nien dropped into non-league football before rebuilding his career and eventually earning his move to Wearside in 2018, but even then, he had to fight for his future after a poor debut against Charlton Athletic.
Since then, he has become a hugely popular figure among Sunderland supporters and has regularly been praised for his mentality, versatility and commitment to the club. Robson-Kanu, writing on LinkedIn, highlighted O'Nien's career path as an example of resilience and perseverance.
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"Imagine being told the dream is over, then ending up in Europe," he wrote. "Luke O'Nien's story is brilliant. Twelve years ago, he was released by Watford and playing non-league football, just trying to stay in the game. His dad emailed every EFL club looking for someone to give him a chance. Eventually, one door opened, and Luke made sure it counted!!
"Now, at 31, he has just helped Sunderland qualify for the Europa League. I love stories like this because every footballer knows that feeling when the game suddenly makes you question everything... A release, a manager who doesn't like you, fans who write you off before you've even settled. It can get VERY loud. But Luke's story goes to show that doubt only wins if you stop moving. The people who go places are usually the ones who keep turning up when nobody is clapping yet. What a journey."
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