Fresh off the heels of his transfer to Sunderland, Younes Kaboul revealed his delight and excitement on joining the Premier League outfit. The Frenchman brings a plethora of leadership and tenacity to a side that conceded 53 goals last season. 

While that number is not quite staggering, those that watched Sunderland witnessed a calamity of errors that lead to the goals. Additionally, the center-back pairing of Wes Brown and John O'Shea are not getting any younger.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player interestingly made his debut at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland in 2007. A day after the transfer, Kaboul explained his anticipation for playing in front of such a boisterous crowd.

Kaboul describes transfer

Speaking to Sunderland's official website, Kaboul descrbed it as "an honour...to join Sunderland," adding that he is "delighted" with the move.

Though "everything went quickly," the player is "very happy" the deal has been completed and believes that "it is a good opportunity for [him]." He went on to say that he "can't wait to meet up with [his] new team-mates" in their pre-season campaign, which is currently taking place in North America.

The Frenchman was quick to address any potential questions that may arise from gaffes in the back line too, which marred him at points during his stints at Tottenham, stating that he has "no regrets by giving everything in each game."

The defender showed the ability of a leader to look at the long term as a result of his experiences, saying that "a season is very long" and "ups and downs" will occur throughout, but cited "the most important thing" as "stick[ing] together with the fans and the team.”

Kaboul was not only influenced by a chance to revive his football career and get a good run of play in the starting XI, but the Stadium of Light crowd also had a major effect on his decision.

The player described "the atmosphere" at Sunderland's home ground as "unbelievable," recalling times when he has experienced "the entire stadium [going] crazy" when the Black Cats have scored against his previous teams. Of course this time, the defender will be ecstatic with the crowd as they cheer on his new team.

Kaboul finished his statement with a simple sentence that is sure to be music to Sunderland fans' ears, saying that "joining Sunderland today is perfect.”

Impact on Sunderland

Kaboul, as mentioned earlier, joins Sunderland from London outfit Tottenham. In his time there, he experienced Champions League football and presided over the club as a captain for a brief period of time last season. The defender also has a goal in five appearances for the French national team.

While his prime position is centre-back, Kaboul has the flexibility to play right back or defensive midfield if needed. The powerful French defender is also likely to have a positive impact as revealed by a former teammate of his at both Tottenham and PortsmouthJermain Defoe

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat quizzed Defoe before making the move for Sunderland's fourth summer signing after Jeremain Lens was announced a couple days ago. 

Defoe told Sunderland's website that the manager "asked [him] what [he] thought of [Kaboul] and [he] told him he’ll be a top signing."

The striker continued with nothing but praise for his former and future teammate, calling him "a great guy and a top professional." He views Kaboul as "a winner and a natural leader" who will "bring that attitude" to the team, and thus Defoe thinks he is "a great signing."

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About the author
Afshin Zahraee
Afshin is a Civil Engineering PhD and teaches classes as he is an professor. He is extremely passionate about sports and is a huge Chicago Fire and Arsenal fan since soccer is his favorite. He also is a Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears and Chicago baseball fan.