Maurice Louis-Dreyfus thanked Sunderland supporters after the Black Cats’ remarkable season
Maurice Louis-Dreyfus has sent an emotional message to Sunderland supporters after the Black Cats secured Europa League qualification - and included a cheeky nod to the club’s derby double over Newcastle United.
Sunderland rounded off a stunning first season back in the Premier League by finishing seventh, securing a top-10 place and qualifying for European football for the first time since 1973-74. Régis Le Bris’ side also beat Newcastle home and away during a remarkable campaign.
The result sparked emotional scenes around Wearside, with players, staff, supporters and members of the ownership group all celebrating a historic achievement. Maurice Louis-Dreyfus, father of Sunderland chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, has now taken to Instagram to reflect on the season and thank fans for their part in it.
He wrote: “Staying Up. “Top 10. Beat the visitors twice. Europa League qualification. Not a bad first season, thank you to everyone involved. Unbelievable team effort, rewarded by a historic finish to the season. Thank you to the fans for everything they have given us this season. Beautiful moments after the match yesterday, this is for you. You deserve it.”
The “visitors” line appeared to be a playful reference to Sunderland’s two wins over Newcastle this season, with the Black Cats completing a memorable derby double as part of their march into Europe. Sunderland returned to the Premier League after winning promotion through the Championship play-offs, with many expecting Le Bris’ side to face a battle to stay in the division. Instead, Sunderland finished seventh and secured a place in next season’s Europa League, completing a remarkable rise from League One to Europe in four years.
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