“Patrick Roberts Finally Breaks Silence on Shocking Premier League Comeback with Sunderland
Patrick Roberts played a key role in Sunderland’s memorable Wembley victory on Saturday.
The Sunderland winger expressed excitement about the challenge of competing in the Premier League after the Black Cats secured promotion that afternoon.
Regis Le Bris’ team overcame a deficit to defeat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley, with Tommy Watson scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner to end Sunderland’s eight-year absence from the EFL’s top flight.
Roberts came on just before the hour mark and assisted Eliezer Mayenda’s equalizer in the 76th minute.
With Premier League football confirmed for next season, Roberts will finally return to a level he has only briefly experienced during loan spells at Fulham, Manchester City, and Norwich City, where he totaled just six appearances.
Roberts on representing Sunderland in the Premier League
After the match, Roberts shared his belief that he would one day play in the Premier League again.
He said: “People who’ve known me a while know I’ve always been confident. Maybe I could have done more earlier in my career, but I have no regrets.
I came to a great club, and I’m thankful to them for giving me a platform and extending my contracts, which they didn’t have to do.
“I want to repay that faith and contribute as much as possible.
I knew I probably wasn’t fit enough to start today, but I just wanted to make an impact off the bench for this club. I’m over the moon, especially for Tommy.
It’s a fantastic send-off for him — he’s worked hard and it’s a great way to finish.”
He added: “I never really had a proper chance before. I went to Celtic, which was a different experience, then played abroad, and spent time in the Championship after coming here from League One.
I’m only 28, so I’ve got several years left. Physically and mentally, this has probably been my best season in a while.”
Roberts on his Sunderland journey
Reflecting on his time in the North East, which now spans three divisions—from League One to the Premier League—Roberts said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure.
When I joined, the goal was to get Sunderland back to the Premier League, starting with escaping League One, which was tough, but we achieved it. Then the plan was to reach the play-offs, but last season didn’t go well.
“This season, we started strong and stayed around fourth all year.
Sheffield United were a very good side, but the fans showed incredible support — especially in the Coventry game — which pushed us over the line. We couldn’t ask for more; it’s been brilliant.”
He continued: “When I arrived, everyone wondered how such a big club was in League One. But there’s always a reason for that.
The mission was to get out, which we did, then try to build as a solid Championship team and see where we could go.
“This year, with the new manager and new signings, especially in January, you could sense the ambition from the owner, director, and us players. Momentum grew, and we saw what was possible.
“It was always going to be tough. Coventry was a difficult match. I played through calf injuries in both games but didn’t care. If it was the last game of the season, I wanted to give everything.
When I came on today, I just wanted to be involved. It’s hard to miss out on moments like this, so I was determined to make an impact.”
