Meunier rues Lille exit as Sunderland lure free-agent Belgian right-back

Thomas Meunier has spoken openly about his decision to join Sunderland after his contract was not renewed by Lille, admitting he expected more from club president Olivier Létang during negotiations this summer.

The Belgian right-back, now playing for the Black Cats, told after Sunderland’s pre-season friendly against Lens that he had always dreamed of competing in the Premier League. “I have always wanted to play in the Premier League,” Meunier said. He explained that being a free agent, an international player, and visible through the World Cup opened doors, so he did not rush to re-sign with Lille despite positive discussions with new coach Davide Ancelotti.

Meunier described the breakdown in talks with Létang over contract terms. “Olivier Létang made an offer, I responded, I was on the phone with the new coach Davide Ancelotti, things were very positive, but in the end we just couldn’t agree on the terms,” he said. “After two excellent seasons where I was supposed to be a backup but ended up playing every game, I expected a little more effort from Olivier. It was more his decision than mine, because he knew I was ready to re-sign.”

The 34-year-old defender did not hide his disappointment, though he insisted there was no bitterness. He revealed that other clubs had shown interest, with some “close to finalising” deals, but it was Sunderland’s sporting project that convinced him. Florent Ghisolfi, Sunderland’s French sporting director, played a key role in sealing the move. “They were convinced, it wasn’t just a feeler to see if there was a possibility,” Meunier said. “I took two days to think and on the third day I was in Sunderland for the medical tests.”

Meunier, who has joined a club on the North Sea coast that finished seventh in the Premier League last season, said modest clubs in England’s top flight remain highly attractive. “Even a less visible club that isn’t necessarily in the top five, it’s still the Premier League and that’s hugely appealing,” he said. He praised the passion of Sunderland’s supporters. “At Sunderland, you play in front of 50,000 people every weekend, the stadium is full, these are people who live for football, it’s their real passion.”

The Belgian defender is set to make his competitive debut in a Premier League curtain-raiser against Ipswich Town, before Sunderland host French side Rennes in a pre-season friendly on 15 August.

Meunier’s move follows a summer of uncertainty at Lille, where he was released despite being a key figure in defence during his two seasons at the club.