Ricky Gervais fell back in ‘love’ with football thanks to Sunderland ‘Til I Die
Ricky Gervais has revealed that the Sunderland ‘Til I Die Netflix documentary re-sparked his love for football.
The Netflix documentary was seemingly loved by supporters across the globe while despised by fans on Wearside for obvious reasons.
It captured some of the darkest moments in the history of Sunderland Football Club with Gervais praising the way supporters treat their team as a “religion” on the latest episode of The Overlap (28 November).
The world-renowned comedian said: “What really got me back into it (football) was a documentary, Sunderland ‘Til I Die. I love that show. It was the fact it was like a religion to them. The whole community was involved. It was a really well-made thing.
“I saw the struggle of the players, the finances and the manager then I watched the Man City one, then the Leeds one and the Arteta one.”
Netflix documentary put Sunderland back on the global map
Sunderland are a famous club in England but their exposure worldwide increased significantly with the airing of a three-season documentary showcasing the highs and lows of the club. Albeit mainly lows.
This was perhaps why it was often looked down on by Black Cats supporters as it exposed the truth behind some of the shocking developments behind the scenes.
Perhaps the most notable occurrence in the series was when Jack Rodwell was captured refusing to pay for the club. That added with the dreaded EDM meme of ex-owner Charlie Methven which still haunts supporters today.
All of a sudden everyone knew who Sunderland were and the fanbase globally increased massively when it was revealed just how much of a connection the supporters have with the club.
Thankfully, the series ended on a high with Sunderland winning promotion back to the Championship after many dismal seasons down in the depths of League One which the Mackems certainly won’t be looking to make a return to anytime soon.
In other Sunderland news, Anthony Patterson has made a new promotion claim.
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