New defender is targeting a leadership role

NEW signing Arthur Masuaku reckons he is excited to be back in the Premier League after joining Sunderland AFC on a two-year deal, subject to international clearance.

- By CLIVE YOULTON

The 31-year-old defender arrives on Wearside following three successful years with Besiktas in Turkey and is eager to help the Black Cats in their topflight return.

“I'm really happy to be here and back in the Premier League,” he told safc.com. “I had three good years in Turkey, but I’m ready for the challenge in front of me at this top club, who I’m really happy are back in the Premier League.

“I'll try to play my football the best way I can. We have a young team and I'm 31 now, so I'll bring what I can to help the team and be positive in everything I do.”

He added: “I’ve won titles and I have a winning mentality which I can bring to the club. I want to bring joy to the fans. The club deserves this after a long period where they struggled and hopefully we can achieve great things together.”