'Can't thank you enough' - Luke O'Nien pays heartfelt tribute to departing Sunderland teammate
Dennis Cirkin has confirmed that he will leave Sunderland this summer.
Luke O’Nien has paid tribute to departing Sunderland teammate Dennis Cirkin with a heartfelt social media post reflecting on the pair’s shared spell at the Stadium of Light.
Earlier this week, Cirkin confirmed that he will be leaving the Black Cats upon the expiration of his contract this summer. Alongside Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts, Dan Neil, and Anthony Patterson, he and O’Nien were part of a select group of players to have experienced two promotions on Wearside in recent years.
And taking to Instagram, O’Nien was quick to share his appreciation of Cirkin, as well as emphasising the role that the left-back has played in Sunderland’s recent success. Alongside several photos of the duo, the Black Cats stalwart wrote: “The last five years of football have been the most I’ve ever enjoyed in my life - not just the successful seasons, but the ones we ‘failed’ and had to look at ourselves and make it better!
“Every time I picture the good, the bad, and everything in between, you were always on my left going into battle, and sometimes right behind me saving me when I screwed up (thank you). You were there next to me in the incredible moments, but more importantly, you were there when me or the team needed someone to step up and be themselves.
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“You were a massive architect of everything that’s led this club into Europe, and you made me a better man, player, and teammate. I can’t thank you enough…. you’ll always be family to me. Thank you legend and good luck”.
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