Sunderland's Jay Matete has been reflecting on his successful loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.
The 22-year-old spent the second half of the campaign down in Devon helping Argyle clinch the League One title. Matete arrived on Wearside in January 2022 for a six-figure fee and is expected to be re-integrated into the Black Cats' set-up for the upcoming pre-season schedule.
And one of the teams he is set to come up against in the second tier next term is the Pilgrims, with Matete having nothing but warm words after a memorable loan stint there.
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Speaking to Argyle TV, Matete said: "I came into a winning culture. I've enjoyed it a lot. Every time I stepped on the pitch, I just tried to embrace it, and enjoy it.
“I love winning, so I felt like I fitted in quite well within the group. Demands are high within the players, the staff, everyone. It was just about me maintaining my own standards and not trying to let anyone down.
“It was unreal. Honestly, it's unreal. When I first came in, I got introduced to everyone, I was maybe a bit nervous, but they just brought me into the changing room, everyone was cool with me. I’ve met some teammates there that I’ll probably speak to for a long time.
"The goal when I signed was to get promoted – and we won the league. Objective: completed. To become champions was a special and unforgettable feeling. Home Park was bouncing every weekend. I wish the club all the best in the Championship."
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