Former Sunderland defender Bailey Wright has spoken of the 'difficult' decision he took to leave Wearside after his move to Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors was confirmed. The popular 30-year-old had another year left on his Sunderland contract but left Wearside at the end of June by mutual consent after being offered a move overseas.
And that move has now materialised, with Wright signing a two-year-contract with the option of another 12 months with the Sailors. Wright says he is targeting trophies and more Australia caps, but also took time to reflect on leaving Sunderland where he spent three-and-a-half years and helped the club climb out of League One.
"When you've gone through those highs and lows, and created friendships and bonds with people throughout the club, it's always difficult leaving," Wright told the Sailors' official website. "My two baby girls were born in the North East of England, which makes it a special place forever for me - and it was nice to get the send-off that I had from there.
READ MORE: Hemir impresses, Batth absence explained, Clarke shines: talking points from Sunderland's friendlies
"I think we don't always like change, but change is sometimes the best thing we can have so that you can go through new experiences and have opportunities to start building new connections."
Wright is now looking ahead to the future with his new club, who currently sit second in the table. He said: "I want to win the league here and help the club do well in the AFC Champions League (ACL), hopefully with many clean sheets along the way.
"But outside of club football, I still very much have big ambitions to keep playing for Australia. We've got the AFC Asian Cup next January to look forward to and opportunities for the national team do not come easy, so I want to make sure I'm in my best form to give myself the best chance to be selected for that.
"First and foremost, though, my focus is playing well for the Sailors and I know the rest will take care of itself."
