A player who recently departed Sunderland has shed light on why his spell on Wearside never truly clicked

Loanee Explains Sunderland Exit as Search for Minutes and Fit Drove Decision

A player who recently departed Sunderland has shed light on why his spell on Wearside never truly clicked, offering an honest explanation about his struggle to establish himself in the Black Cats setup.

Sunderland are pushing toward what they hope will be a strong finish to the season, targeting a place in the European spots. Sitting eighth in the table, they face a huge test on Matchday 25 with a trip to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal. There is also excitement building around the expected debut of new signing Nilson Angulo, with the Ecuadorian set to wear the No. 10 shirt. But comments from a recent departure have underlined just how fierce the competition for minutes is under Régis Le Bris.

One player whose exit raised eyebrows has now spoken about the circumstances behind his loan move, revealing that things did not unfold as many had anticipated.

### Adingra Details Why He Walked Away

Simon Adingra was among the names to leave during Sunderland’s busy transfer window, the 24-year-old Ivory Coast international ending his time at the club on loan after a period that failed to meet expectations.

In remarks reported by Jason Jones for the *Sunderland Echo*, Adingra admitted that limited opportunities and a lack of comfort in his role played a major part in his decision. He also pointed to the appeal of AS Monaco’s long-term vision as a decisive factor.

He explained that Monaco’s interest was made clear through detailed conversations about how he would fit into the team and their wider ambitions. Talks with coach Sébastien Pocognoli helped him quickly grasp the direction of the project, making the move feel like the right step. The playing style, overall environment, and the chance to compete in a French-speaking setting — a language he is at ease with — also eased the transition. Adingra emphasized his desire to contribute immediately and showcase his strengths.

His Sunderland stint ultimately proved frustrating. Across 15 appearances, he found the net once and logged just 729 minutes on the pitch, a modest total that highlighted his struggle for consistent involvement. While the partnership between player and club did not deliver the hoped-for outcome, both sides will now aim to reach their goals separately after an underwhelming chapter together.