Cisse wanted to stay - but Keane's exit saw deal scuppered

DJIBRIL Cisse has revealed he wanted to stay at Sunderland following his loan spell with the club during the 2008/09 Premier League season.

- By MATTY HEWITT

The French forward signed on loan from Marseille, scoring 11 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats. Then Sunderland boss, Roy Keane, had been keen on making the move for Cisse a permanent one having impressed during the early part of that loan spell.

However, the Republic of Ireland international would leave his post on December 4, with Sunderland struggling at the bottom of the table.

Speaking to The Journal via Poker Strategy, Cisse told just how much he enjoyed playing under Keane and had hoped to stay at the club.

"He was great," Cisse said. "I had a really great time. I was disappointed to leave and disappointed he left when they sacked him. I had fun with him.