Sunderland AFC forward Fabio Borini, has said that he has enjoyed pre-season, and is looking forward to competitive matches.
Can't wait to get started
Borini and the first-team, have been away in Austria as part of a grueling pre-season training camp, taking part in three sessions a day.
The Black Cats have stepped up their efforts, as they look to avoid another Premier League battle, and ahead of their first friendly with Hartlepool United, Borini has said the team are looking forward to the start of the new season.
Borini told safc.com: "We love to play football and the only thing we miss is playing competitive games" and the side "did our best to stay in the Premier League for this season."
He continued: "We are here and we want to enjoy it all through the season without the final rush."
Praising the youth
The pre-season trip has also allowed manager Sam Allardyce, to bring a lot young players to the continent.
Nine prospects from the academy made the trip, with the likes of Tommy Robson, Rees Greenwood and George Honeyman all traveling over, and Borini has praised the efforts of the youngsters.
Borini said: "The lads are enjoying it but especially the young boys because it is a great experience for them to be here with us" and believes “all the boys have enjoyed it we have worked hard with triple sessions a day" and it is a "good group and we enjoy each other’s company."
He concluded: "The young lads have settled well" and are "really calm and they are always listening to our suggestions so that will only make them better."
Sunderland AFC will take on Hartlepool United at Victoria Park on Wednesday, July 20 with kick-off at 7:30pm BST.