Former Sunderland striker Nicklas Bendtner has opened up on why he did not stay permanently after his loan spell.
Nicklas Bendtner has admitted he was not ready to commit his long-term future to Sunderland despite thoroughly enjoying his loan spell at the Stadium of Light.
The former Arsenal and Juventus striker spent the 2011-12 season on Wearside and became a popular figure with supporters, finishing the campaign as Sunderland’s top Premier League goalscorer. Bendtner made a big impact during his year with the Black Cats and is still fondly remembered by many supporters, not least for his penalty in the Tyne-Wear derby at Newcastle United. But despite his strong season, his relationship with the Sunderland fanbase and his enjoyment of life on Wearside, a permanent move never materialised.
Asked whether there was ever a realistic chance of him staying at Sunderland permanently, Bendtner told The Echo: “I think when I look back at the time, I don’t think that that was where I wanted to stay at that particular moment. And also with the loan spell running out. But I really, really enjoyed my time there.
“And obviously after that went to the, I think it was the World Cup with Denmark. So no, I had a great time there and really enjoyed it. But I wasn’t prepared for signing a long-term deal at the time when I was there. Because obviously going to the World Cup and everything, I just kind of wanted to see what was going to happen.”
Bendtner went on to play for several major clubs during his career, including Juventus and Wolfsburg, having come through at Arsenal. He also represented Denmark at international level and arrived at Sunderland with a sizeable profile. Yet when asked how Sunderland’s support compared with the fanbases he experienced elsewhere, Bendtner insisted the passion and intensity on Wearside stood up against some of the biggest clubs he represented.
“Well, I think it was very much the same,” he said. “The fans were so passionate. The atmosphere was electric. I really, really enjoyed playing at the Stadium of Light. I just had a good time there. I think it also comes down to the teammates you have and I have great teammates there. So that also sort of kind of improves everything. So when you go onto the pitch, you feel like you have each other. And that 12-man being the fans, obviously helping with that too.”
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