Dennis Cirkin struggled to put into words his feelings after helping secure Sunderland's promotion back to the Championship. The Black Cats left-back signed a three-year deal with the club last summer, arriving from Tottenham for an undisclosed fee.
He's been an ever present in Sunderland's back line this season and played the full 90 minutes at Wembley Stadium. "Honestly, it's unreal," he said. "My first season in professional football for me, it's unreal. I couldn't tell you the feeling it's amazing."
Cirkin said winning the play-off final was the highest point of his career and had no regrets over making the move to Wearside. "Even in the first place, making the move, to me Sunderland is my club now and obviously you put 100 per cent in every match, this is what it means," he said. "We've got where we wanted to be."
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In the immediate aftermath of the game, Cirkin struggled to come to terms with what the Black Cats had achieved. He said: "It's unreal. I think it's something that I just can't take in right now because it's too much. I think in a few days once it's all died down I'll look back at it and it's amazing.
"It was a tough game but every game is a tough one in League One, especially this year. Wycombe are a good side, Sheffield [Wednesday] are a good side. I'm looking forward to next season. The break as well.
"I hadn't played any senior football before this. I mean, you couldn't ask for more. It was a perfect move for me. "
The promotion means Cirkin will play at the highest level of his career so far, but he has no concerns over next season. He said: "It'll be a good test but I feel like we were never meant to be in this league. Even before I came here.
"I looked at Sunderland and said 'nah, they're a Championship or Premier League club.' I think next year when we can start to play some football, I personally think we'll do well in that league. Anything can happen as it has before."
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender also heaped praise on the work Alex Neil has done since his arrival. Cirkin said: "I think that's also part of the experience having two managers as well. The first one was a bit different to the second one but I've got nothing bad to say about either of them to be honest.
"They're both excellent managers. Alex Neil has taken us to where we wanted to be and finished the job off. He's class."
