Simon Mignolet reacts as Sunderland promoted in Wembley scenes
Simon Mignolet has sent an immediate message as Sunderland secured a return to the Premier League on Saturday.
The Mackems were dreaming of a return to the promised land since the 2016/17 campaign and their wish came true after dramatic scenes at Wembley.
Tommy Watson scored a late winner after Eliezer Mayenda had levelled from Tyrese Campbell's opener for Sheffield United, finishing 2-1 in the capital.
Mignolet shares Sunderland joy after Sheffield United win
Mignolet was the starting goalkeeper at the Stadium of Light from 2010-2013, making 101 appearances for the Black Cats before he moved to Liverpool.
The Mackems took to Instagram (24 May) to post the final score and a message which read "Sunderland AFC are Premier League."
The Club Brugge star reacted by liking the post and commenting, saying: "Congratulations" with a clapping hands and a fire emoji.
Sunderland supporters in dreamland after Wembley heroics
Black Cats supporters took over London, but the Blades were the favourites for the contest, however, Regis Le Bris' side did not read the script and turned it on its head
It was looking like it was not going to be their day, but the Frenchman rang the changes and it worked as they shocked Chris Wilder's side to condemn them to another season in the Championship.
| Stats (All competitions) | Mignolet |
| Matches | 101 |
| Goals conceded | 135 |
| Clean sheets | 33 |
| Minutes played | 9,082 |
Fans will now be looking forward to what could happen when they rejoin the elite level after a long time away in the doldrums, even a horrendous spell in League One.
Mignolet will probably be looking out for his former club to check how they do, survival seems like a tough task but clearly they are used to exceeding expectations, so they may very well do so again.
Kyril-Louis Dreyfus has achieved his goal of taking the North East team into the promised land once again, now they must do everything they can to stay there after such a long absence.
Mignolet and Jordan Henderson will probably be linked with returns, given that they are nearing the twilight of their careers, but it remains to be seen whether that materialises or they move on to fresher players in order to retain their top-flight status.