“I love that club” – Free agent keen for Sunderland return | OneFootball

The 35-year-old is currently a free agent, having left Eredivisie club Willem II at the end of January, and it seems his two-year spell at the Stadium of Light has a place in his heart.

Speaking to inews, Ruiter reflected on his time at Sunderland and revealed he was keen to return – as a player or a fan.

He said: “I had a great time over there off the field. On it, it could be a bit mixed but I have nothing but warm memories. I would love to help them back up to the Championship.

“I don’t think it’ll happen but I love that club. I will go back to watch the club one day because I can’t speak highly enough of it.”

Ruiter joined the Black Cats on a free transfer from FC Utrecht in 2017 but missed much of his first season at the club with a finger injury and was unable to help them avoid relegation to League One.

He featured just seven times the following season before leaving at the expiration of his contract but remains a fan of the club.

“I follow Sunderland every single week,” he explained. “I am desperate to come back – I tried to come back earlier in the year but my flight was cancelled due to the storm.

“Sunderland is a brilliant club, it deserves to at least be in the Championship. If you look at them now, it’s so hard to get out of the league. We were so close when I was there with that last minute goal against Charlton.”

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The Verdict

Ruiter’s spell at the Stadium of Light didn’t exactly go to plan on the pitch but it seems he loved his time nonetheless.

Whether the 35-year-old is really what Alex Neil needs is unclear but perhaps as an experienced backup, he could be an interesting option.

Supporters will still likely love to hear the Dutchman’s love for the North East club.

They’ll definitely agree with his thoughts about whether they deserve to be.