'Loved every minute' - Alex Pritchard pays tribute to Sunderland fans after Birmingham move
Alex Pritchard paid tribute to the ‘unbelievable’ Sunderland fans after he completed a deadline day move to Birmingham City.
The midfielder enjoyed good times on Wearside, helping the club to promotion from League One and re-establish itself in the Championship.
His deal was set to expire this summer, though, and he risked his relationship with supporters by refusing to play in the 3-1 win over Stoke.
However, he has now sought to part on better terms, and he has nothing but nice things to say about Sunderland.
"I think my future has been well speculated on for a while now and I'm just glad to have everything done and settled,” Pritchard told Birmingham City TV. “Hopefully I can just crack on with my football now.
"The last couple of years have been unbelievable, Sunderland has been great to me and their fans are unbelievable.
“I think it just got a point where, it just got to a crossroads and there's no bad blood at all, I loved every minute there. It's time to move on now to a new chapter in my life.
There had been reports of a falling out between Pritchard and Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, with some speculation that he was not necessarily made to feel respected at the club.
Speakman, though, paid tribute to Pritchard as he left Wearside.
“First and foremost, we thank Alex for the contribution he has made to Sunderland AFC,” Speakman said.
“He played an important role in our promotion from League One and has been a prominent member of our squad in the Championship, and I’m sure he will be fondly remembered by our supporters.
"Transfer windows are challenging periods for all involved, so we are pleased to have reached a suitable conclusion for the club and Alex, who leaves with our best wishes.”
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