Cattermole commits to Black Cats
Lee Cattermole has committed his long-term future to Sunderland by signing a five-year contract extension.
The 27-year-old midfielder, who had 12 months remaining on his existing deal, has now been tied up until the summer of 2021.
#SAFC are delighted to announce that Lee Cattermole has signed a new contract to remain with the club until 2021. pic.twitter.com/LsuzH7nij9
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 2, 2015
Head coach Dick Advocaat said: “Lee is the controller of the side. He is a motivator, a leader and central to the success of our team. To know that he will be with us for many years to come is very important to the club.”
Cattermole, who started his senior career at Middlesbrough after graduating from their academy, joined the Black Cats from Wigan in a #6million switch during the summer of 2009.
He is approaching 150 appearances for Sunderland, but might have left Wearside two summers ago when he was deemed surplus to requirements by then head coach Paolo di Canio and left to train with the youth team.
However, the Italian’s successor Gus Poyet restored him to the senior ranks and he played a key role in the club’s so-called “great escape” at the end of the 2013-14 season before being linked with a move to Stoke.
You’ll be seeing much more of this over the next few years…https://t.co/bPcOvYUoNe
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 2, 2015
He proved a central figure in Advocaat’s team as he dragged the club back from the brink of relegation once again at the end of last season, earning the Dutchman’s admiration and ultimately, an extended stay with the club.
Sporting director Lee Congerton said: “Lee is a hugely important part of our team, both on and off the field.
“He has 10 years of experience playing in the Premier League, which is incredible when you consider he is still only 27 years old, and we are delighted that he has committed his long-term future to Sunderland.”
News of Cattermole’s contract was announced just a day after Advocaat landed his first summer signing, clinching a permanent deal for Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates.
