Ron-Thorben Hoffman has sent his goodbyes to Sunderland fans after the young goalkeeper has returned to Germany following his loan period from Bayern Munich. The 23-year-old said it had been 'a big honor (sic)' to have played for the club.
On his Instagram account, the goalkeeper wrote: "Dear SAFC supporters, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for everything you’ve done for me and for us as a team this season. It was such a crazy year but we finished the season with the promotion.
"I am proud that I played my part and helped the club to get out of that league. It was a big honor to wear the Sunderland shirt! From now on I will support the club on their way back to the top. All the best and a big big thank you again!"
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The Bayern Munich goalkeeper joined the club in September and started 19 games in a row before missing the next two with injury. He returned to play 90 minutes in the next four but lost his place in the team following consecutive losses against Bolton and Doncaster, which saw Hoffman conceded eight goals.
Anthony Patterson was preferred in goal after Alex Neil took over the managerial role from Lee Johnson. That meant that Hoffman's last appearance for the Black Cats came in the 2-1 loss to Doncaster.
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