Despite more difficult times during his Sunderland career, Lamine Kone says he will 'remember the good moments' in a goodbye post to the club and the fans.
The Ivorian defender's Sunderland departure was confirmed last week as the loan deal that saw him spend last season at Strasbourg in France became a permanent one, believed to be worth around €1.5m to the Black Cats.
Kone impressed at the Ligue 1 club last term, helping them qualify for next season's Europa League after winning to Coupe De France.
It brings to an end a tumultuous three-and-a-half years at the Stadium of Light that saw Kone quickly go from hero to zero.
Signed by Sam Allardyce in January 2016, Kone played a crucial part in Sunderland avoiding relegation from the Premier League with inspired form that saw the Black Cats turn down an £18m offer from Everton that summer.
But as Allardyce departed, Kone handed in a transfer request after claiming he was promised an improved contract if Sunderland stayed up.
David Moyes would eventually hand Kone that new contract, but Kone never did capture the form that saw him become a quick favourite on Wearside.
After suffering relegation from the Premier League, the Black Cats were unable to offload him in the summer of 2017 and he was forced to stay and play in the Championship. However, still his form did not improve and Sunderland were relegated for a second consecutive season before he was completely ostracised by new manager Jack Ross before his Strasbourg move was completed.
But preferring to remember the better times at the club, Kone posted a thank you to the club and the fans on Instagram.
He wrote: "Very happy to sign for 2 seasons with Strasbourg. Looking forward to discover the European competition with the blue jersey.
"I want to thank Sunderland through this message. It was not perfect during those years, but I was proud to wear this Red and White jersey, proud to have helped the club to stay one more season in the Premier League.
“I will only keep the good moments and for that I thank the club, the employees and especially the fans. Thank you for your welcome
Happy holidays everyone and see you soon on the pitch.”
