Meunier: «Leaving Lille was more Létang's decision than mine»

Thomas Meunier (34) justified his departure from Lille to Sunderland on Saturday in an interview reported by L'Équipe. The Belgian fullback, who was in northern France for his new side's preseason friendly against Lens (2-0), pointed directly at president Olivier Létang.

«After two very good seasons, I expected a small effort from Olivier, a top-notch businessman and entrepreneur,» Meunier said. «It's more his decision than mine, if I didn't stay.» The defender explained that LOSC made him a contract extension offer which he responded to, but that «it was difficult for him to follow» his demands.

Meunier backed his move to the Black Cats: «My directors put all the conditions in place for me to come.» He emphasized that the Premier League remained an ambition, even at a club outside the top five. «The stadiums are full, people live for football and there's real passion,» he noted, mentioning the 1,500 Sunderland fans who travelled to the friendly at Lens.