While Vito Mannone started off his career in England in London, it’s at Sunderland AFC that he really made his name.
The Italian goalkeeper had spent much of his time prior to this on various loans and as a backup, but the Black Cats decided to give him a permanent solution in the north of England.
He repaid them with great performances, and even came very close to being called up to the Italy national team thanks to how things were going at Sunderland.
Now 35 and a starter at Lorient in France, Mannone looked back over his career to date with Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, where he touched upon his time at the Stadium of Light, which he recalls in a bittersweet manner.
Described as a ‘legend’ at Sunderland, the goalkeeper said: “One the one hand, it hurts me to remember that period. I was among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. Statistics wise, I was even above Cech and Hart. I was expecting a call from the national team, but it never came.
“Nobody knows, but I was pre-called up for the 2016 Euros. Then nothing happened at the last minute. I expected something more, I have a bit of regret.”
Despite this, his time at Sunderland does still bring back a lot of good memories, with one standing out in particular: the League Cup semi-final against Manchester United.
He explained: “As a child, I was a Milan fan, and I remember the 2003 Champions League final at Old Trafford. Then I found myself in the same goal where Dida and Buffon had saved the penalties.
“We took the lead in 119th minute. Chicarito equalised two minutes later. I had 15000 Sunderland fans behind my goal. Absurd pressure. It already felt like a final there.”
In the end, Mannone ended up saving two penalties in the shoot out to send Sunderland to the final, where they played against Manchester City.
That game ended 3-1 in favour of Manuel Pellegrini’s side despite the Black Cats leading 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 10th minute goal from Fabio Borini.
