- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,195,184
- Reaction score
- 59
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says it would be "hard to criticise" Eliezer Mayenda if he decides to leave the Black Cats this summer.
The 21-year-old striker, who joined from FC Sochaux in July 2023, was a driving force in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League last season and scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.
However, Mayenda has had limited minutes this season and made just 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
"It's difficult for players like Mayenda," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle. "He's a popular player and he's had some great moments for us because he's an exciting player when he gets on the ball.
"But he hasn't had as many minutes as he will have liked through the season."
Speculation of Mayenda's departure grew after his agent posted a picture with the caption "The last dance" following the final game of the season at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
"Conversations could have been happening for months because it doesn't all just happen in the last week of the season," added Gabbiadini. "They [the club] know what players' intentions are.
"This might be for Mayenda the biggest opportunity of his life to get to a club where he's going to play and on a contract that brings him financial security moving forward.
"With him being so on the edges of things this season, it is frustrating. Your career is so short as these players might only get a sweet spot of seven or eight years so they have to strike while the iron is hot.
"It's life and supporters find it hard when people put it in those terms, but it's the reality.
"He's a player that has given his all when he has had minutes so it's hard to criticise him."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds
Explore more Sunderland content on BBC Sounds
Continue reading...
The 21-year-old striker, who joined from FC Sochaux in July 2023, was a driving force in Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League last season and scored the winning goal in the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.
However, Mayenda has had limited minutes this season and made just 23 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.
"It's difficult for players like Mayenda," said Gabbiadini on BBC Radio Newcastle. "He's a popular player and he's had some great moments for us because he's an exciting player when he gets on the ball.
"But he hasn't had as many minutes as he will have liked through the season."
Speculation of Mayenda's departure grew after his agent posted a picture with the caption "The last dance" following the final game of the season at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
"Conversations could have been happening for months because it doesn't all just happen in the last week of the season," added Gabbiadini. "They [the club] know what players' intentions are.
"This might be for Mayenda the biggest opportunity of his life to get to a club where he's going to play and on a contract that brings him financial security moving forward.
"With him being so on the edges of things this season, it is frustrating. Your career is so short as these players might only get a sweet spot of seven or eight years so they have to strike while the iron is hot.
"It's life and supporters find it hard when people put it in those terms, but it's the reality.
"He's a player that has given his all when he has had minutes so it's hard to criticise him."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds
Explore more Sunderland content on BBC Sounds
You must be registered for see images
Continue reading...
