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Sunderland AFC co-owner Juan Sartori has expressed pride and excitement following the club’s dramatic return to the Premier League, declaring it the reward for years of dedication and a unique approach to rebuilding the Wearside outfit.
Speaking to media in Uruguay after witnessing the Black Cats clinch promotion in front of a packed Wembley Stadium, Sartori said the achievement marked the culmination of a long-term project that began when he and majority shareholder Kyril Louis-Dreyfus acquired a club that had hit rock bottom.
“It was a thrilling, emotional moment,” said the 44-year-old businessman. “We took over almost seven years ago when the club was in League One, in complete disarray. From there, we embarked on a journey that has now brought us back to the top flight.”
Sartori highlighted that Sunderland’s resurgence was built on a bold vision—eschewing the traditional football model in favour of investing in youthful, driven talent. “This promotion isn’t just about one game, even though people call it the most expensive match in football due to the £200 million prize for reaching the Premier League. It’s about a project that trusted in something different. We built one of the youngest squads in English football, packed with hunger and ambition, and that’s what brought us back.”
Referencing the international attention from the club’s journey, boosted by the “Sunderland ‘Til I Die” Netflix documentary, Sartori said the world had been watching their story unfold: “People all over were waiting to see if we could make it back, and now we’ve written the next chapter.”
Looking to the future, Sartori shared a personal dream—to eventually see a player from his native Uruguay don Sunderland’s colours in the Premier League. While emotionally invested in the idea, he made clear that footballing merit would always come first.
“Of course, I would love to bring a Uruguayan to Sunderland. That’s something close to my heart. But it must be a smart decision for the team as well,” he said. “Hopefully one day, under the right conditions, it will happen. It’s a dream, not a priority—but one I hope becomes reality.”
As Sunderland prepares for life back in the Premier League, Sartori’s comments reflect not only a moment of triumph but also a continuing vision for sustainable, ambitious growth at the Stadium of Light.
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