Hull City midfielder George Honeyman has said “it would have been crazy to stay” at Sunderland this summer.
Honeyman left Sunderland after 14 years this summer, joining Grant McCann’s Hull squad late in the transfer window.
Having joined the club as a 10-year-old, he developed through the academy system, breaking through into the first team before being given the captaincy.
Speaking to the Football League Paper, Honeyman opened the lid on his time at the club and his move in the summer.
He said: “In my head, I was never thinking about leaving Sunderland this year but it would have been crazy to stay and, if anything, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone now which I am grateful for.
“I pretty much lived the academy player’s dream at Sunderland and the club has been my whole life up until now.
“I joined when I was ten, spent my whole career there, made lifelong friends and then turned into the club captain – what more could you want really as a Sunderland fan?
“You have to keep a level head when you are playing and that fan side of things gets taken out of it. I will always be looking out for Sunderland and supporting them, though.”
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The Verdict
The 24-year-old’s decision was a fair one given that a Championship club came in for him when he only had a year left on his current deal, and it doesn’t appear that a new contract offer had been made by Sunderland.
It is understandable that some Sunderland fans may have felt let down seeing their captain leave the club so late in the transfer window and may feel he is being slightly disrespectful with these comments.
Honeyman made 97 appearances for the North East club, contributing 15 goals and five assists, but Jack Ross' side have not looked like they've missed him at the start of the season.
The Black Cats are unbeaten so far this season and sit fourth in League One, with only goal difference keeping them off the top, while Hull, who Honeyman has made four appearances four since joining, have won just once so far this season and are 20th in the Championship.