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Thomas Meunier: How Sunderland convinced me to sign in five minutes and the dream I'm about to realise Thomas Meunier made his Sunderland debut on Saturday as the Black Cats beat RC Lens 2-0 It's fair to say that Thomas Meunier's move to Sunderland has been a long time coming. As Sunderland prepared for their return to the Premier League last summer, Meunier was one of the players they identified as perfect to add both leadership and high technical ability to a mostly young squad taking their first steps at the level. Though Sunderland would be successful in their attempts to lure established European campaigners such as Granit Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele, Meunier would become the one who got away. "We got in touch already last season," Meunier explains, standing in the mixed zone after a very impressive first 45 minutes in a Sunderland shirt. "During the summer, Lille refused because they knew that if I had to leave, they would have to spend money for another right-back. So it was not their will but finally, we did it this summer." Meunier switches effortlessly between French and English for the two groups of journalists present, and tellingly admits he had been a little underwhelmed with the attempts from Lille to retain him earlier this summer. The contrast with Sunderland is stark. Meunier had offers from a variety of different clubs but tells The Echo that the decisiveness shown by the Black Cats made the difference. "I have to say, I had also other offers, but just playing for Sunderland was... They convinced me quite quickly," Meunier says. "They called me when we were back from the World Cup... they called me and it took five minutes [to convince me]. Two hours later, I had the first offer. Six hours later, I had the second offer. The day after, I was there for the medical testing. This proved to us that Sunderland really wanted me and I'm happy to be here today in front of you. "It was a good feeling, you know, because sometimes you have many clubs calling you, 'OK, we're thinking about you, we're going to make an offer'," he adds. "It takes two days, four days, one week... It's not serious, you know. If you want something, you go for it. And Sunderland wanted me and I went for it. I couldn't expect more from a club wanting a player and that's really why I'm here today in front of you. It's because they were convincing and they didn't want to lose time. They were sure. I had to speak with the coach, we had a video call speaking about tactics, about everything you know with the direction of the club. And so they were really convinced about me and so I just had to put the pen on the paper." Sunderland's move may have been a year in the making, but the move to England represents the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for the right back. Fans have been heartened to see Meunier embracing the club even before he managed to get training at the Academy of Light, pictured on his holiday after the World Cup proudly wearing a Sunderland shirt. The 34-year-old explains that as a Match of The Day fan, he has been waiting for the moment for much of his career and is determined to enjoy every minute. "I grew up watching Gary Lineker on the BBC," he explains. "This Match of the Day was my favourite show so the Premier League has always been a goal, a target. Finally, at almost 35 years old, I'm here. I really want to live every day this dream of the Premier League, of English football. I will do my best to know and to embrace the club, because it has to be a pleasure also. It's work and I have a contract of course, but it has to be a pleasure. I've always dreamed about it and today it's time to realise this dream in real life." Though it may only have been on half, Meunier's debut was assured and there was already an encouraging connection with his new team mates. Meunier speaks of his admiration for Trai Hume, a player who he believes has very similar traits to his own and explains that the next step now that he understands the club's playing style is to get to know the instinctive habits of his team mates in games. The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. The right back breaks out in laughter as he discusses a punishing half time workout with Xhaka, the pair running themselves into the ground as they bid to get back up to speed ahead of the new campaign. Encouragingly for Sunderland and for the player himself, he says he set a personal record in completing one of the bursts inside fifteen seconds. "The goal for me today was to test myself a little bit after the World Cup, the early days and the three days of training," Meunier says. "So we had many physical sessions and I just wanted to see if I was able to play freshly during 45 minutes. This was the objective and I did it. My first half was quite good and collectively as well. We created many chances, that was really what I wanted to see because I know that Lens is a good team. They won against Crystal Palace in preparation against Villarreal and they have quality. On paper, I was quite sure that we could make the difference and we did it today." On this evidence, both on the pitch and in the mixed zone, Sunderland have signed a very good player and a new leader behind the scenes. Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris issues transfer message to Sunderland fans and explains wait for new additions