Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Cana makes surprise Cats exit

08 Jul 2010 - 16:35:36

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Sunderland have sold captain Lorik Cana to Turkish club Galatasaray after just one season at the Stadium of Light.

The Albania international joined the Black Cats in a £5milion deal from Marseille last summer and made 35 appearances in his first season on Wearside.

The midfielder was immediately appointed captain by manager Steve Bruce but has now been allowed to move on in a surprise departure.

Cana has revealed that both professional and family reasons were behind his decision to leave after the two clubs settled on a fee in excess of six million euros.

"The people here love their club, they have passion and a proper identity," he told the club's official website.

"I gave my all for the club and it will always be in my memory.

"I have been offered the opportunity to play in European competition and the Champions League, and especially to be closer to my family.

"This was not an easy decision for me though and I hope people understand."