Sunderland confirmed Eliezer Mayenda’s permanent departure from the club earlier this week
Eliezer Mayenda has opened up on the impact Sunderland fans had on his career in his first interview with Stade Rennais club media.
Mayenda completed a £22 million switch to the Ligue 1 club over the weekend, signing a five-year deal. The striker penned an emotional farewell to Sunderland fans ahead of the deal being announced, in which he thanked them for their backing during his three years at the club.
The youngster became a firm favourite during the club's promotion back to the Premier League in 2024/25, particularly during the second half of the campaign when he scored regularly. Mayenda was asked about the impact of the 'Oi, Big Man' chant that became synonymous with the latter stages of that season, and reflected on what it meant both to him and his family.
"It’s great - I think it’s something huge," Mayenda said.
"It gives a player a real boost, you could say. It propels you forward. Personally, it really warmed my heart to hear that chant from the fans, and I think my family is very grateful too. My mother doesn't usually come to the stadium, but she was there that day, and it was the first time they sang for me. I remember that match against Cardiff; after just a minute, the whole stadium started singing. I think my mother was a bit moved even if she wouldn't admit it to me - but I think it warmed her heart, and for me, too, it was an incredible feeling. So, I’m really grateful to the Sunderland fans for that. I think that nickname they gave me will stay with me wherever I go now.
"I’m very motivated and really looking forward to playing in my new stadium; I’m highly motivated and very happy to be here. Obviously, I think a great season lies ahead of us, and with the squad we have and the guys on the team, we can achieve great things this season."
Eliezer Mayenda: Why I wanted Stade Rennais transfer
Mayenda had interest from a number of European clubs but said Stade Rennais' impressive track record in youth development was a key reason he pushed for the deal.
"I felt that this was the place I needed to come," he said.
"I can't quite explain it, but I just felt that this was where I had to come. I really wanted to sign with Stade Rennais because, as I’ve said, I hold the club in high regard. I knew it was a big club in France. And when I heard about Stade Rennais' interest, I didn't really hesitate. I didn't really have any doubts, so I chose to come here.
It happened naturally. I think everyone in France knows that Stade Rennais is a big club—one that produces a lot of young players. A lot of young talent comes out of Stade Rennais. When I was at Sochaux, we always had a positive view of Rennes; we used to face them at the youth academy level, and the matches were usually tight and tough. So, I’ve always held the club in high regard."
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