Source: Northern_Echo
Riveros signs for Black Cats
CRISTIAN RIVEROS became Sunderland's first signing of the summer yesterday when he penned a three-year deal.[LNB] Riveros, named in Paraguay's provisional World Cup squad, put the finishing touches to weeks of negotiations.[LNB] It brings to an end the manager's lengthy pursuit of the creative midfielder, dating back to his days in charge of Wigan when Mexican club Cruz Azul quoted the Latics a £12m valuation.[LNB] And Riveros, a close friend and compatriot of Sunderland's Paulo Da Silva, is excited about the prospect of moving to the Premier League after seeing out his contract with Cruz Azul.[LNB] The league is very competitive and Sunderland have shown great trust in me as a person and as a footballer,[LNB] said Riveros. The history here is good and I'm delighted to be joining the club.[LNB] Riveros is a creative midfielder and Bruce suggested ahead of Sunday's final match at Wolves that the South American is likely to figure predominantly on the flanks next season, even if he can play inside.[LNB] We have been monitoring Cristian for a while now so I'm delighted to have concluded a deal which will bring him to Sunderland and the Premier League, said Bruce. He is a very creative midfielder and a player that will enhance our attacking options from wide positions for next season.[LNB] Riveros has spent the majority of his career in Paraguay, where he played for San Lorenzo, Tacuary and Club Libertad before heading for Mexico in 2007. He has 45 caps for his country and is likely to be just the first of Bruce's summer signings.[LNB] He is keen to make the changes before pre-season training starts, although he does not expect too much interest until nearer August, when the start of the season will be rapidly approaching.[LNB] Sunderland confirmed yesterday that they will kick off their pre-season preparations in Ireland after agreeing to play a Munster XI at in Limerick in aid of the Shane Geoghegan Trust.[LNB] The Black Cats will travel to the principal city of County Limerick on July 13 (ko 7.45pm), taking on a specially selected team to raise funds for the charity which was launched by Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn in October 2009.[LNB] A number of additional fixtures are to be announced shortly.[LNB] Quinn said: The SAFC Foundation, the club's official charity, has already been over to assist the Trust as it rolls out programmes that will help young people to make better life choices and to have enhanced aspirations in the area that Shane lived.[LNB]
