Former Sunderland striker Louis Saha is backing the Black Cats to return to the Championship ahead of the League One play-off final clash with Wycombe. The Frenchman spent six months at the Stadium of Light at the tail end of his career but saw his contract terminated on Deadline Day in the 2013 January window.
The former Manchester United forward played 11 times for Martin O'Neill's Sunderland but failed to find the back of the net during his time on Wearside. Despite a brief tenure at the Stadium of Light, Saha looks back on his time fondly.
Speaking to Lord Ping, he said: “I’d love them to go up. I only spent six months there but it’s not right for the Football League to have such a big club in this division.
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“They need to be back in the Premier League, but it’s getting tougher and tougher. I wish him the best for the game.
"I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of the fans in Sunderland. This city is amazing and so is the way they love football. I wish them all the best.”
Saha isn't the only former Sunderland connection to throw their weight behind the Wearsiders. Speaking to BoyleSports, former Black Cats boss Gus Poyet said: "I won’t say they can do it but it’s another great opportunity. It didn’t look like they could do it a couple months ago and now they’re in a position to perform.
“You know what they’re going to get from Wycombe so now it’s about performing. Both teams have been in this position.
"It will be an incredible day and I know the whole city will be down for the day. I want Sunderland to win obviously as I have no affiliation with Wycombe.”
