Wednesday, 3rd July, 2013
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of custodian Vito Mannone from Arsenal, and the Italian has penned a two-year deal with the Black Cats.
The 25-year-old joined the Gunners as a youth player in 2005 at the age of 17, and subsequently earned promotion to the first team in the following year. The former Italy Under-21 international has had loan spells at English clubs Barnsley and Hull City.
He clocked up a total of 23 appearances under Arsene Wenger over the eight years he spent with the North London outfit.
Mannone is now relishing joining his compatriot Paolo Di Canio at the Stadium of Light, and he has explained that he is looking forward to the competition of earning a regular place in the team.
relatedNewsStory
“Of course, every player knows they have competition”, Mannone told his new club’s official site.
“We live in a world of competition. I will work and do my best to be in the first eleven, and then the manager will decide.
“All I can do is try to show what I am capable of”, he added.
The Italian custodian will have to battle Keiren Westwood to secure a regular starting role in the team.
Meanwhile, Di Canio’s side have snapped up three players on free transfers on Monday – French defenders Valentin Roberge and Modibo Diakite, as well as Cape Verde defensive midfielder Cabral.
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
