Mozambique international Reinildo Mandava is thrilled by his move to the English Premier League following Sunderland switch.
Mandava is set for his first Premier League adventure after switching from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, bringing an end to his three-year spell with the club.
The 31-year-old defender penned a two-year deal with the Black Cats and is expected to play a huge role for Sunderland, who are aiming to maintain their spot in the top-flight in the 2025/26 campaign.
However, Mandava has expressed his joys after securing a historic to the Premier League this summer.
“It is a dream come true because it has always been my ambition to play in the Premier League – and I can’t wait to play for an historic club like Sunderland” he said.
“I’m excited to meet the team, to fight, and to give everything for the Club. I want to help, to give power to my team-mates, and transmit my experience in the dressing room. Above all else, I want to make people happy and I will give everything to make that happen.” He added.
The enterprising left-back joined the Spanish capital club in 2022 and made 99 appearances across all competitions, including 32 last season, when he featured regularly in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
His last appearance for Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos came last month when he lined up against Paris Saint-Germain at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Born in Mozambique, the 31-year-old started his career in his homeland with Ferroviário da Beira and GD Maputo before moving to Europe in 2015, signing for S.L. Benfica.
He moved to Belenenses SAD in 2018 and joined LOSC Lille on loan six months later, a move which became permanent the following summer and led to Reinildo winning the Ligue 1 title and Trophée des Champions in 2021 – and being named in the 2021 Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
