View: Sunderland striker Aaron Connolly shows true class with social media gesture
Sunderland striker Aaron Connolly showed his true class by reaching out to a Sunderland supporter who had talked about his personal struggles on social media.
Having only joined the club a few months ago, Connolly is still awaiting his opportunity to impress on the pitch although he already has off of it.
In an interview on the club channels when signing, the Irishman spoke very openly about his own personal struggles that had affected his career.
He has now reached out to a Sunderland supporter who had expressed concerns of his own, to offer him tickets and a signed shirt.
His message to the supporter, as posted on X [November 17], reads: “Bigman, I saw your tweet last week and I hope you’re in a better place at the minute.
“We’ve got Millwall away after the break and if you aren’t already going I’ll sort you out some tickets and meet up with you after and give you my shirt, I’ll try to get it signed by all the boys.
“I’ve been there bro and still am, so just want to try to help in any way I can.”
Aaron Connolly gesture is a sign of the class at Sunderland
One thing that can’t be argued about Sunderland nowadays is the loyalty and passion of the players at the club.
Luke O’Nien has for several years been known as the good guy off the pitch (not so much on it for the opposition), with plenty of examples of him giving back to the community and the die-hard fanbase on Wearside.
Connolly’s gesture is incredible really and not something that is expected of footballers. However, it goes a long way to establishing that connection with supporters which can often translate on the pitch.
The feeling of being acknowledged by the players representing your team is remarkably lifting and full credit has to go to the Irishman for what he did.
Of course, the feel-good atmosphere at the club has played a huge role in the season so far, with the Black Cats sitting nicely at the top of the Championship after 15 games, heading into what will be a gruelling fixture away at Millwall.
In other Sunderland news, the Black Cats have a ready-made Anthony Patterson replacement in their own academy.
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