'Amazing' Sunderland fans deserve Premier League return, says Paolo Di Canio

Paolo Di Canio was not always a popular figure at Sunderland, although the supporters clearly left a big impression on him.

Former boss Paolo Di Canio says the ‘amazing’ Sunderland fans deserve to see their club return to the Premier League.

Di Canio took charge of Sunderland in 2013 but lasted just 13 games. His time on Wearside was certainly not lacking in drama, though.

He saved Sunderland from relegation despite being a controversial appointment due to his political views, with a win over Newcastle – complete with legendary knee-slide celebration – a vital part of it.

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The Italian was unable to build on that, though, and a disastrous start to the following season saw him quickly moved on.

Despite that, it’s clear the club left a big impression on him, as did the supporters. So much so that he says he cannot even ‘imagine’ Sunderland being out of the Premier League for much longer.

“During the season they have done a good job because it's obvious when you are close to the top six that you are doing well,” Di Canio told TikTok user @djb100.

“But in this moment, they need to push more obviously, you know, because I can't imagine Sunderland not playing in the Premier League because of their supporters, their fans, the stadium.

“They are absolutely amazing, and they deserve to play in the Premier League."

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