Stephane Sessegnon has revealed that his relationship with the Sunderland fans was a key factor in his decision to sign a new contract at the club in the summer.

The Benin international has struggled to replicate last season's form in this campaign so far but insists that his admiration for the supporters will drive him on to improve as a player.

Sessegnon told The Independent: "I can feel big expectation from the fans on me.

"That is logical, they expect me to perform. The fans here are almost more enthusiastic than the players themselves.

"I am a creative type of player, the passion is a positive thing, it makes me want to go higher and in search to be better, to produce more, I want to be more excellent for them. It is a good thing. My relationship with the supporters here was one of the factors that made me renew my contract."

Sunderland are currently 13th in the Premier League.