FORMER Celtic winger Patrick Roberts has left Manchester City to sign up at Sunderland.

The 24-year-old made the decision to make a permanent exit from the Premier League side to pen an initial six-month deal with the Black Cats.

Roberts was a fan favourite during loan spells at Celtic between 2016 and 2018 as he picked up seven winners medals during his time in Glasgow.

Three league triumphs as well as two Scottish and League Cup victories were part of a trophy-laden spell at Parkhead.

But ever since he has struggled to nail down a starting spot and been farmed out on loan five times.

Roberts went on to play for Girona, Norwich, Middlebrough, Derby and Troyes after his stint at Celtic, but he's now playing for an extended contract at Sunderland.

He signed an initial six-month deal but the club have the option to trigger an extension if he impresses to the end of the season.

Speaking to the Sunderland website, Roberts said: “I can’t wait to get going. I came to the game against Sheffield Wednesday a few weeks ago to get a feel for it and it was great to watch – and something that I wanted to be a part of.

"The fans want you to do well and work hard every matchday and that pressure and expectation is something I thrive off. I just want to do well for the people that support me and get Sunderland back to where they belong.”

Sunderland boss Lee Johnson added: “Patrick is a player that we have always kept our eyes on over the years because he really is a top talent.

"This is an amazing opportunity – for him and the club – to give him the love he requires at a standard whereby we think he can excel and then come with us to the next level.

"He thrives on the big occasion and the beauty of Sunderland is that there is a big occasion every three days. We hope that this is the place he calls home for a number of years.”