Patrick van Aanholt: 'I want to prove myself at Sunderland'

Patrick van Aanholt has insisted that he had no hesitation in leaving Chelsea to join Sunderland.

The 23-year-old Netherlands international, who was loaned out on seven occasions during his five-year spell at Stamford Bridge, joined the Black Cats yesterday on a four-year deal.

"I thought about it for a second and said 'Yes', I would love to come to Sunderland'," he told the club's official website.

"It's a great club and a great opportunity for me to play in the Premier League. It's a good opportunity for me after two-and-a-half years in Holland and a couple more loans in the Championship.

"I want to prove myself in the Premier League so everyone can see what kind of player I am and what I'm capable of doing. I had a couple more offers from different coaches but I said no, I want to stay in the Premier League."

Van Aanholt made just two league appearances in five years at Chelsea.