Thomas Meunier weighs opportunity against unknowns at Sunderland
At 25, Belgian international Thomas Meunier has swapped the comforts of Ligue 1 for the Premier League, joining Sunderland as a free agent this summer. In a Play Sports interview with his friend Guillaume François, he opens up about the lure of England and whether life beyond football will suit him.
Why Sunderland appealed
Meunier explained, "Because it’s also a question of opportunity". He added that the club called him, were "super convincing" and that the discussion with the coach lasted an hour on the phone, making him feel he was dealing with someone who loves the game as much as he does. "They called me, the talk was good, the interview with the coach also: you spend an hour on the phone talking football and you realise you’re dealing with a guy who loves it, just like me," he said.
He admitted that other giants such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid or Manchester United could have been options, but the Sunderland pitch won him over. "Otherwise I would have gone to Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester United!" he laughed, before confirming the club’s clear vision was the decisive factor.
Adjusting to life in England
Beyond the pitch, Meunier is keen to immerse himself in the city. "I think Sunderland, in terms of size and population, is a bit like Namur, just a little larger," he noted, comparing the English town to his Belgian hometown. He stressed the importance of diversifying interests, saying football takes a lot of time but "there is not only football".
He highlighted the cultural draw of Angleterre, mentioning the documentary "Sunderland ’Til I Die" as a personal favourite that sparked his curiosity. "Comme he says, Sunderland feels a bit larger than my hometown of Namur," he remarked, adding that he expects to stay at least two years and discover what Britain has to offer week by week.
Meunier also praised French coach Régis Le Bris, calling him a professional who knows his job. "The coach’s discourse had a clear line of direction. He knows exactly what he wants to do and how to do it," Meunier said, appreciating the tactical certainty that convinced him to join the Black Cats.
Comment Thomas Meunier describes his new life remains open‑ended; he admits weeks and months lie ahead before he can judge whether Sunderland truly offers the balance he seeks between football and the wider English experience.