Alfred N'Diaye Explains Sunderland Departure

In what was a surprise move to many, Alfred N'Diaye recently sealed a season-long loan to Turkish club Eskisehirspor. Although a move had been rumoured for a few weeks, when it finally came it caught some off guard due to the powerful Frenchman becoming a popular figure amongst supporters, this in turn led to speculation as to why he would leave only six months after arriving from Bursaspor.

In an interview with Afrik-Foot, N'Diaye explained the move was solely for footballing reasons;

I'm at an age where I need to play.

He [Di Canio] could not guarantee me the playing time that I hoped for, so it was decided together that I would go out loan and I made ​​the choice of Turkey.

I had several offers, but it is the one from Turkey which had me the most motivated. I know the coach, I talked with him and he relies on me for the upcoming season.

It guaranteed me more playing time after the mid-season I had ​​in Sunderland, start it on the bench, it's not worth it.

I'm only 23 years old, I must play every week to progress. I could have stayed, but I preferred the loan.

With Cabral having already joined the club, Paolo Di Canio being a fan of Seb Larsson and the eventual arrival of the much vaunted 'man with the keys', N'Diaye was slowly slipping down the pecking order and it's understandable that he would look for first team football in a World Cup year, especially when he has just been called up to the Senegal squad for the first time.

Read the 'Captain's Blog' to see just why N'Diaye's exit was necessary to fulfill Paolo Di Canio's promise.