“I was looking for a new adventure” – Player explains unexpected choice after Sunderland exit

Ask the average football fan to name ten things they associate with Sunderland Football Club and Lee Cattermole is likely to be among the selections.

The midfielder became synonymous with the Mackems, spending ten years at the club after joining from Wigan Athletic in 2009.

Cattermole experienced everything at the Stadium of Light, from the highs of a tenth place finish in the Premier League to the lows of relegation from the top-flight and then the Championship as well.

He left the club this summer as he and Sunderland decided it would be in both parties interests to mutually terminate his contract, which, at a rumoured £40,000-per-week, was too high for the League One side.

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It was a decision that surprised many given Cattermole’s connection with Sunderland, although it’s fair to say that it was less surprising than his next career move.

Unexpectedly, Cattermole headed to the Netherlands to join VVV-Venlo in a transfer that few would have predicted.

And he’s now explained the move, saying that his move to Europe was in search of a new adventure after the lows of relegation with Sunderland.

“After two relegations with Sunderland I was looking for a new adventure,” he told AD.

“And this adventure has been great from the get-go. The Dutch way of playing football appeals to me.

And the level is also fine. I don’t feel too big for it.”