Duncan Watmore admits he is open to a move abroad this summer as he looks to resurrect his career away from Sunderland.
The Black Cats have released the winger, bringing an end to his seven-year stay at the Stadium of Light having arrived in 2013 from non-league Altrincham.
At one point Watmore was considered one of the brightest young talents in England and was a regular for Sam Allardyce's Sunderland in the Premier League, as well as Gareth Southgate's England under-21s.
But two serious knee injuries hampered his progression, while Sunderland slipped two divisions in his absence.
It was hoped the drop could aid Watmore's recovery, however, with many hopeful Watmore would return and become a key player in Sunderland's rise big through the divisions.
But even this season, where Watmore's injuries were limited, he struggled to find any form and hold down a regular place in Phil Parkinson's side, which made not renewing his contract an obvious decision this summer, given he was one of the highest earners at the Stadium of Light.
Given the current climate caused by coronavirus, it's never been a worse summer to be a free agent player, but the 26-year-old insists he is fit and hopeful of finding a new club, even if that means moving abroad.
Watmore told the Daily Mail: "I want to create some really good new memories on the pitch. Hopefully there is a club out there for me. Whether it be in this country or abroad, I am open to all ideas.
"I feel as fit as I’ve ever felt. I have used this period to seriously step up my fitness game. My knee feels stronger than ever and I feel my body is in the best position it has been since before my injury.
"I genuinely believe that I’ve still got a lot left to give. I am excited to prove to people that I can get back to where I was before."
Watmore admits he feels regret over not been able to have a bigger impact at Sunderland in the past two seasons, with the club now set to spend a third consecutive season in the third tier of English football. Prior to their relegation in 2018 they'd spent just one season this low down the pyramid in their entire history.
Despite that, Watmore also reflects on his seven years at the club with fond memories and a warm feeling, particularly towards the supporters.
He said: "I would have loved to have ended with a promotion because that’s what the club needs and deserves.
"I feel so lucky to have spent seven years at such a great club. They signed me from Altrincham in non-league and gave me the opportunity to make a career in the game and I will be forever grateful for that.
"I had some amazing highs. I remember under Allardyce when we beat Everton 3-0 and stayed up. That is probably the best memory I have in the game. It’s the best stadium atmosphere I have ever been in.
"I only wish I could have contributed more in the past couple of years where I have been injured and not shown what I know I can give.
"I have grown such an affection for the fan base and the people in the area. That’s why I am just desperate for them to eventually get back to the Premier League because that’s where they deserve to be."
Read the full interview with Watmore, where he reminisces about his earlier years as a brights prospect at the club, and also discusses the Netflix documentary and more, here.
