Jobe Bellingham sends final message to Sunderland fans as exit confirmed
Jobe Bellingham will remember the Wembley scenes for life as he starts his new life at Borussia Dortmund away from Sunderland.
It has not been the nicest of summers for supporters at the Stadium of Light so far, with the reality of the size of a rebuild hitting home.
This comes as Bellingham makes the club-record move to Borussia Dortmund, with Tommy Watson having also agreed a switch to Brighton.
Bellingham thanks Sunderland supporters
Bellingham has attracted interest at Sunderland for quite some time now.
Not only have his performances been impressive, but with his brother being one of the biggest stars on the world stage, all eyes are on his development.
The 19-year-old was a key part of Regis Le Bris’ Championship squad and certainly played his part in leading his side to promotion.
However, the opportunity to play in the Premier League next season has not been enough to convince the midfielder that his future could lie at the Stadium of Light.
Instead, he has moved to Borussia Dortmund for a club record fee of around £27.8million.
The reality of the exit will now be setting in for supporters, as Bellingham has taken to his Instagram (10 June) account to send a heartfelt goodbye message to the North East.
He said: “Dear Sunderland, it’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red and White.
“Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity, which we pulled through together. You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that, I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.
“I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return, you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So, thank you.
“I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart. I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch, and I’m so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club to its rightful place.
“To the staff, players and most importantly, the supporters, thank you so much and good luck for the future.
“Jobe, Adopted Mackem.”
Sunderland to appreciate Bellingham sentiment
Once promotion to the Premier League was secured, there was hope throughout the Stadium of Light that Bellingham might have stayed put for another season, but that has not been the case.
While his exit will hurt many Sunderland supporters, the 19-year-old has handled himself well, and he will surely go with the well wishes of the Black Cats.
| Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| 2024/25 | 43 | 4 | 3 |
| 2023/24 | 45 | 7 | 1 |
| Total | 88 | 11 | 4 |
The club record fee that Sunderland are getting for his services is massive for the side going into the Premier League, and that has to be spent wisely now.
Bellingham’s words are clearly genuine, too, and the relationship between him and the Sunderland supporters will surely carry on with love as he looks to find success in the Bundesliga.
He will not be forgotten around these parts.