Dennis Cirkin finally touched the Premier League stage. And he believes it can be just the beginning of a new chapter for him and Sunderland.
The full-back returned from a long injury spell to start in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United at the Stadium of Light. It was his first competitive appearance since the Play-Off Final win over Sheffield United.
That win sealed Sunderland’s comeback to the top flight. This match felt like the reward for all the waiting.
“On a personal level, I’m extremely delighted and it’s a dream come true,” said Cirkin.
“You look back at these things and you will never forget it. It’s going to be one hell of a memory.
“To make my Premier League debut after League One and the Championship with this club is phenomenal.”
At only 23, the climb already feels huge. Yet Cirkin points back to the collective work.
“Credit to this team,” he said. “Every single year they work so hard and that comes from the very top down.
“We’re just putting the performances in but it’s like an iceberg. There is so much to it. It’s been incredible and the results have been showing that this season.”
This debut means everything to him, but not the finish line. He wants more. More minutes. More responsibility. More battles at Premier League pace.
“That is all I want now,” he added. “I think this is just the start. That’s why I’m not trying to get too over the moon with my Prem debut because I am expecting a lot more of myself.”
So Cirkin takes his bow. He breathes it in. Then he looks forward. Because the dream has begun. And now the real test kicks off.
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