'Honoured...' - Chemsdine Talbi opens up on debut Sunderland campaign and St. James' Park goal

Chemsdine Talbi has reflected positively on his first season at Sunderland and his goal-scoring heroics in the Tyne-Wear derby during a fresh interview.

The promising winger signed for the Black Cats from Belgian outfit Club Brugge last summer, and has enjoyed a largely productive debut campaign in the English game. In particular, he registered memorable strikes against Chelsea, Liverpool, and - perhaps most notably - Newcastle United.

Talbi’s equaliser at St. James’ Park paved the way for Sunderland to complete a famous comeback in a 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals, and speaking to The National News, the attacker has provided his view on his pivotal contribution, and his season writ large.

What has Chemsdine Talbi said about his debut season at Sunderland?

When asked for his thoughts on his time on Wearside so far, Talbi responded: “A good season. I was a little bit nervous to come to such a big competition like the Premier League. But I think I adapted myself and I did well. I really enjoyed every big game we played. Really enjoyed it. Football in England is not just football; it's like life turns around football and you feel it every game you play.”

On his best moment in red and white to date, he continued: “The best was at Chelsea, when I scored the last-minute winning goal. But I had a lot of good memories this year. Then, after, the fans started singing my name, a song about me [to the tune of ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries].

“In the beginning it was a bit strange because it's the first time anyone has sung about me, but I understood it straight away because my mother's favourite song is ‘Zombie’. And then they were singing for me, 3,000 happy fans behind the goal. Even my mother heard it on the TV. She called me after the game and she was laughing. It was wonderful.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Talbi was also asked to describe the experience of playing in the Premier League to fans overseas, to which he replied: “Great players, some of the best in the world play in the Premier League. So you feel it with the intensity in games. Every game. But it’s not just intensity. It’s about tactics and choosing the right time to attack.

“And I would tell them about Sunderland - a big club, historic club. I felt that support right from the start. People stopping you outside, they're wishing you luck for the game at the weekend. You feel it everywhere. More than anything, they tell me that we must win when we play Newcastle.

“I think the most important thing is to win these games. When I came to the club, everybody told me that this derby is a special game. So we did as they asked and we beat Newcastle. Twice. The week before those games is crazy. Everyone talks about it, inside and outside the club. You feel that a big game is coming. And when the game started, it was just crazy. I was honoured to be part of it...

“Honestly, when I scored, I didn't realise it. It felt like a normal goal, but it wasn’t. Then we scored again, so important. I was told that if I scored against Newcastle I would be a hero and I scored against Newcastle. Even better, we won. Twice.”

Your next Sunderland read: Competition: Get ready for Sunderland's Europa League adventure with new A Love Supreme scarf and badge