Sunderland release bitter statement as Jack Colback signs for derby rivals Newcastle

Jack Colback signed for Newcastle from derby rivals Sunderland

Midfielder Jack Colback has officially joined Newcastle United from Sunderland after the Black Cats failed to get him to sign a new contract.

The 24-year-old signed a five-year deal that will see him play at St. James’ Park till 2019.

Colback, who has been at Sunderland since he was eight years old, was over the moon after he made the move: “I’m absolutely delighted,”

“To come to the team I supported as a boy, my hometown team, will be really special for me. It was an opportunity I couldn’t let slip. If you asked fans around the world the one thing they’d like to do before they die, it would be to play for the team they support and I’ve got the chance to do that.

He did have a few good words for Sunderland too: “I’ve only got good things to say about Sunderland, they gave me my chance and I want to thank the fans and the club for all their support.

“I hope they can understand the chance I’ve had here to move to my boyhood club. Now I can’t wait to pull on the black and white shirt at St James’ Park for the first time.”

Sundeland, on the other hand are not at all happy with the move and even released a bitter statement on their official website.

The statement read: “Jack is a player we have nurtured and developed through our academy system since he was eight years old. We gave him the opportunity to become a professional footballer and are therefore extremely disappointed in the events that have led to his departure from the club.

“This wasn’t about money - the club agreed to all of the terms demanded of us during discussions and we were always led to believe that Jack wanted to stay with us. At his and his representatives’ request, final talks were put on hold until the club secured its top flight status. To our dismay however, we were subsequently never given the chance to negotiate with him to stay.

“For him to then leave the club that has supported him throughout his formative years in such a manner, with no chance for Sunderland to recover any of the significant investment that it has made in him as a player, has left a bitter taste."