New Sunderland signing Connor Wickham: Steve Bruce sold the club to me

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New Sunderland signing Connor Wickham revealed that Black Cats manager Steve Bruce sold the club to him ahead of bigger teams like Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Wearside club stole a march on their rivals to secure the highly-rated youngster from Ipswich for an initial fee of £8 million, rising to £12m, and Wickham revealed the former Wigan boss was a deciding factor in his decision.

“Once the fee was agreed and I met with the manager, he basically told me everything about the club and the ambitions, and it was sold,” Wickham told the club’s official website.

The England Under-21 international also revealed his relief at sealing the move, and is now focused on getting back into action for his new side.

“Now everything is done and dusted, I just really can’t wait to get started,” he added.

“Ever since the speculation, I have never felt pressured. I have never felt intimidated by what has gone on off the pitch or who has come in or anything like that.

“But now I am obviously relieved to have everything done. The weight has been lifted off my shoulders now.

“I can get back to playing football, and I know where I am going to be next season. I just want to play now.”