Zenden: Black Cats just felt positive

Oct 17 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

BOLO Zenden has revealed he turned down several Premier League offers and a two-year deal and Champions League football at Marseille to join Steve Bruce’s Sunderland project.

Zenden is set for a role on the bench against former club Liverpool today after signing on with the Black Cats until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old said the facilities at Sunderland and the way he was treated by Bruce persuaded him that a switch to Wearside was the right thing.

“I felt that everything was very positive and I certainly had a very positive feeling about everything. It’s great to be back in the Premier League,” he said.

“I had a few other things lined up but I never had a proper feeling (for other offers). I have always said that if you make a choice it has to be the right one and that is why this took a little bit longer than usual.

“I could have stayed at Marseille for another two years but it’s great to be back in the Premier League.

“Sunderland felt right. There were clubs in England and in Europe but the whole package on offer was very interesting and that’s why I said yes.

“Of course I have played against Sunderland before but have never seen the academy and the training ground.

“To be fair it is rather impressive and I like the way it is all set up. It’s very professional and it looks like everyone is working as a team with the right ideas to take the club onto the next level.

“Working with Steve Bruce over the past few days I have seen that he is a guy who is relaxed in his ways but very strong in his ideas. I think it is a very positive environment to work in."