Jack Clarke has reacted to 100 appearances in a Sunderland shirt and has outlined his goals for the rest of the season.
Jack Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2022, but initially looked a figure lacking confidence as he managed only one goal as Sunderland won promotion to the Championship.
The winger looked completely transformed upon his return to the second tier, claiming nine goals and 12 assists in what proved to be an exceptional campaign for the Black Cats.
Clarke’s success urged Burnley to bid for him, but he instead stayed on Wearside and has since bagged himself a further 13 goals and two assists.
While Sunderland have come under increasing pressure to sell Clarke to the likes of West Ham, Brighton and Brentford, he has now managed to make it 100 appearances for the club.
Clarke has shared his delight at his achievements with the Black Cats so far, and has spoken of wanting to kick on for the rest of the season, despite heavy interest in his signature.
As per Chronicle Live, the 23-year-old said: “I came here with a point to prove and I think my performances have gone a long way to showing what I can do over the last two years. I always wanted to play games but providing assists and scoring goals is what I’ve always backed myself to do.
“Not only am I extremely proud to play for Sunderland, but I’m also really proud of what we have achieved over the last two years. Back-to-back play-off finishes and a promotion from League One has been nothing short of eventful but within that, there has been so many success stories.
“Even though I was happy with last season’s return in goals, I said from the start of last summer that I feel I could have scored more. Whilst it is a great feeling to have bettered that total, I’m really glad the goals have made such a big contribution to this team.”
He added: “I can’t quite believe it’s been 100 games, but this club has given me the faith to flourish, and we have created so many moments that I will carry with me and for that, I am extremely grateful.
“For me, I want to continue to kick on and continue to add to the team’s output. We’ve always aimed to attack the division and we feel we can match anyone, irrespective of where they are in the table.”
Jack Clarke is a manager’s dream
Jack Clarke not only has the talent to make it to the top, he has the brilliant attitude to match.
The attacker was happy to stay at Sunderland in the summer, and still hasn’t pushed for a move away despite huge interest in him from the Premier League.
He has never become distracted and has only ever tried his best for the club, while his love for the team and the fans is so clear every time he scores.
I have no doubt that he will leave at the end of the season and it will be extremely hard to replace him, but it will be through no fault of his own – he has done everything he can for this club.
He is certainly better than the Championship though and I can’t wait to see what he can do in the top flight.