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“Heartbreak and Triumph”- O’Nien’s EMOTIONAL 22-Word Statement after injury in Sunderland’s Promotion win has everyone talking
Luke O’Nien Reflects on Sunderland’s Premier League Return After Emotional Play-Off Final
Sunderland secured a dramatic return to the Premier League on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final — a moment veteran Luke O’Nien says he would endure every hardship again to experience.
The 30-year-old started the match at Wembley under manager Régis Le Bris but was forced off after just three minutes due to a dislocated shoulder.
Despite the personal setback, O’Nien was animated on the sidelines, celebrating passionately as late goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson completed a memorable comeback and ended the club’s eight-year stay in the EFL.
Reflecting on the win, O’Nien took to social media to express his emotions:
“The pain, the tears… I’d go through it all again in a heartbeat if I knew it would lead to this moment.”
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, the long-serving Sunderland man joked:
“I don’t know why you’re interviewing me — probably my best game in a Sunderland shirt!” he laughed. “But seriously, I’m so proud of these boys. I can’t believe what I’ve just witnessed.”
He described the tension of watching from the sidelines as the match unfolded:
“I’ve never felt anxiety like that. But I had faith in the lads — we’ve come from behind all season. The game plan was clear: get to half-time, score one, and the second would follow.”
O’Nien praised the impact of Watson and Mayenda and shared how much it meant to be part of the team, even from the bench:
“Tommy Watson — Sunderland legend now. Everyone celebrating out there — legends. I was just on the sidelines, but I swear I covered more distance celebrating those goals than during my brief time on the pitch. I’m just so thankful to be part of this moment.”
O’Nien’s Journey With Sunderland
Since joining the club in League One, O’Nien has become a fan favorite and a symbol of resilience for Sunderland. With over 300 appearances in red and white, he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Championship in 2022.
Originally signed as a midfielder, O’Nien has since reinvented himself as a central defender.
He featured in all but one Championship game during the 2024/25 season, highlighting his consistency and importance to the squad as Sunderland marched back to the Premier League.
