Belgian star Meunier signs for Premier League side Sunderland

Veteran Belgian defender Thomas Meunier has officially joined Premier League club Sunderland, signing a two-year contract on a free transfer. The 34-year-old, a prominent member of Belgium's 'golden generation,' expressed his enthusiasm for embarking on a new phase of his career.

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I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland. I’m very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it’s a challenge I’ve wanted to experience.

"I am hugely excited and honoured to join Sunderland," Meunier stated on the club's website. "I’m very happy to be here and to begin this new chapter in my career. The Premier League is one of the most competitive and exciting leagues in the world, and it’s a challenge I’ve wanted to experience."

Meunier cited the club's ambition and project as significant factors in his decision, particularly the prospect of competing in the Europa League. "Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies," he added.

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Competing in Europe was also a big factor in my decision because, as a player, you always want to test yourself against the best teams and compete for trophies.

Sunderland's director of football, Florent Ghisolfi, welcomed Meunier, emphasizing the wealth of experience, leadership, and professionalism he brings. "Thomas is a player who understands what it takes to compete for success, and we’re confident his mentality and character will have a positive influence on the squad," Ghisolfi said. "We believe he’ll make an important contribution on and off the pitch."

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Thomas is a player who understands what it takes to compete for success, and we’re confident his mentality and character will have a positive influence on the squad. We believe he’ll make an important contribution on and off the pitch.