Emanuele Giaccherini wants bigger Sunderland role

Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini has admitted that he would like to play a bigger part for the club this season.

The Italy international started just 16 games for the Black Cats last term, which has led to speculation over his future.

However, the 29-year-old has said that he wants to remain at the Stadium of Light.

"I can get better this year. I have experienced the first year here and I saw the league, the players and the stadiums," he told The Chronicle.

"Last year is gone now. I scored five goals and five assists. I did not play every game, but when I did it was okay.

"I want to stay at Sunderland. If Sunderland do not want me, we will see, but my intention is to stay here."

Giaccherini joined Sunderland from Juventus in 2013.