The Black Cats cult hero left the Stadium of Light club this summer after a 10-year association.
Sunderland have been sent a classy tweet by VVV-Venlo after Black Cats cult hero Lee Cattermole signed a one-year deal with the Eredivisie club after a successful trial period.
The 31-year-old left the Stadium of Light in July after a 10-year association with the Wearside club, saying in a club statement that it was “the right time to find a new challenge”.
Despite being linked with Sheffield Wednesday while Steve Bruce was there (Chronicle Live), Cattermole has now opted to ply his trade outside the UK for the first time in his career.
“The club arrived at the right time,” Cattermole told the Venlo website, who shared the official confirmation of his arrival on their social media channels. “They offered me a new chance.
“I am therefore very happy that after so many seasons in England I can now work in the Netherlands at a great Eredivisie club such as VVV-Venlo. With my experience I can contribute to the development of this young team. I want to move forward with VVV.”
Following on from their confirmation news and video on Twitter, Venlo then told Sunderland they would take care of him:
As was reported by Chronicle Live at the time, Cattermole’s contract had 12 months left to run but was mutually terminated to suit both parties.
The outlet also claimed that the midfielder was earning around £40,000-per-week at Sunderland, who had to trim their wage bill to comply with EFL financial fair play regulations.
Cattermole, who originally joined the club from Wigan for £6million in 2009, scored seven goals in 36 appearances last term as the Black Cats reached the League One playoff final.
He made 261 appearances for the Black Cats, playing at Premier League, Championship and League One level.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
