Former Sunderland midfielder Yann M’Vila has revealed the Black Cats are the only team he would now play for in a lower division, if they made him an offer to return.
The Frenchman has been speaking to Le Progres about his current situation, as he looks for a new club after being released by Olympiacos in the summer.
The 33-year-old left the Greek side earlier this year after a three-year spell with them following a move from Saint-Etienne in 2020.
He’s been unable to find a new club since, despite a career that has seen him play in Italy, France, England, Russia and Greece since emerging for Rennes U19 in 2007.
His time in England was spent with Sunderland, who he joined on loan in August 2015 from Rubin Kazan when they were still a Premier League side.
That year saw them narrowly avoiding relegation, finishing 17th in the table and two points clear of rivals Newcastle in 18th place.
They didn’t sign him on permanent basis that summer, but M’Vila is still fond of the club, indeed, Sunderland are the only side who could convince him to play in a lower division.
“I spoke with a lot of Ligue 1 clubs, but I didn’t get the little thing. Given my qualities and my leadership, I think I can help a lot of teams. I believe in myself,” he said.
“I don’t need the money. I want to play. With all the respect I have for Ligue 2, I don’t see myself playing in this championship.
“There is only one club for which I would have agreed to return to the lower division for, it is Sunderland, to help them return to the Premier League. I had an extraordinary year there.
“I’m not just a footballer, I can help on and off the pitch, I know the moments of crisis. I am a reliable person. If you trust me, I’ll give it back to you a thousand times.”
