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Patrick Roberts has issued a heartfelt and classy final message to Sunderland supporters following his permanent move to Birmingham City.

The winger, who spent four years on Wearside and played a key role in two promotions and two Wembley victories, spoke exclusively to The Echo about what the club’s fanbase meant to him and why he will always remain grateful for their support.

When asked whether Sunderland’s biggest strength is its supporters, Roberts was emphatic. “A lot of fans obviously want to see the team’s success, but they want to see people work hard and give 100% because they want to be out there playing for their club, as every fan in the world would want to be,” he said.

“As players you’ve got to understand that. You take the criticism when you take it. Most players know what they need to do and how they need to be better. They don’t need people to tell them, but you need to look in the mirror and always give 100% because these people come to watch you play. They travel thousands of miles to watch you play and you’ve got to give them something to cheer about.

“That’s always been my mindset ever since I was a kid. When fans come to a game, I want them to enjoy it. Obviously win games, but most importantly enjoy it and produce good football. I think we did that over the few years I’ve been there. Maybe one season was difficult, but other than that, we had some amazing times. I’ll always be forever grateful for that. They always showed their support, whether at home or away. The love they had for me, I’ll never forget.”

Roberts’ bond with Sunderland supporters was forged during one of the most significant modern periods in the club’s history. He arrived in League One and left with the Black Cats restored to the Premier League, playing through injury at Wembley and assisting key goals along the way. When asked if there was anything about his Sunderland journey that had not been properly told – and whether he had a final message for fans – Roberts delivered a deeply personal response.

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“I don’t think there’s any moments that haven’t been told,” he said. “A lot of times have been good. I’ve made a lot of great friends. A lot of people in that club are amazing. I just want to say thank you for the support. Sometimes maybe I wasn’t at my best, but they were always there and they always supported me and the club. I found a home. Hopefully one day I can go back and be up there and see a game. I just want to say thank you to the fans for the support they gave me the whole time.

“They made me feel at home. My son was born around the time I was there, so his first kit has been a Sunderland kit. There are a lot of moments that stick with me. The games at Wembley were amazing and I couldn’t think of doing it with a better club. I’m just grateful to have played for Sunderland and I thank them for the support they gave me every single day and every single game.”