:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47069614/GettyImages-485661935.0.jpg)
Sunderland are still waiting on Jose Enrique to make a final decision on his future, but they’ve already got an ex-Liverpool player on the books in Fabio Borini, and the striker claims that despite appearances, he always wanted to join the Black Cats on a permanent deal.
He appeared to have the option to do so last summer, but despite Sunderland chasing him all summer and meeting Liverpool’s transfer demands, they couldn’t agree personal terms with the striker. Neither could QPR when the London club joined the bidding, and in both cases reports said it was down to Borini’s wage demands.
"It’s the perfect time to come back," Borini said."In the past, people have written a lot, but it was a situation out of my control. I wasn’t in a position to make any decision, but here I am. As people have read, there were a lot of clubs interested in me, but I’m here at Sunderland because I want to be here.
"Also my wife is very happy to be here. She was probably the most happy person I came back! It’s good to have a person like Erin support me in this, and I’m here to stay and play for Sunderland because I’m proud to wear the shirt. I said a piece of my heart was always here when I scored at Wembley. I’ve come back to get that piece."
Borini’s Wembley goal gave Sunderland hope in their attempts to upset Manchester City in the League Cup final. In the end the Black Cats lost 2-1, but for a moment cup glory and a European place seemed on the cards. Now, Borini will be counted on to keep Sunderland in the Premier League.
He joins fellow former Red Sebastian Coates at the club, and while Tiago Ilori has turned down the chance to head there on loan, Jose Enrique is currently favoured to follow Borini there on a permanent deal.
