adminJack Clarke and Tommy Watson respond as Dan Neil posts emotional Instagram message to Sunderland fans
Dan Neil’s farewell to Sunderland continued to strike an emotional chord on Tuesday night after the midfielder posted a heartfelt 202-word message on Instagram, looking back on his remarkable journey with his boyhood club.
The post, shared alongside a collection of images spanning his time at the Stadium of Light — including the iconic moment he lifted silverware at Wembley — sparked an immediate wave of reaction from former teammates.
Among those to respond were Jack Clarke and Tommy Watson, both of whom took to the comments to pay tribute.
Clarke, now at Ipswich Town and set to reunite with Neil following his loan move, was quick to show his support, replying with a string of red heart emojis.
Though brief, the gesture spoke volumes about the bond forged during Sunderland’s promotion campaigns.
Watson opted for a more direct message, hailing Neil as a “legend” and wishing him well in the next phase of his career, finishing with a red heart emoji of his own.
Neil’s message itself was deeply personal, shaped by his lifelong connection to Sunderland and the dream he fulfilled wearing the club’s colours. He reflected on his journey from joining the academy at just six years old to leading the side back to the Premier League as captain.
In the post, Neil expressed gratitude to the coaches and staff who helped shape him both on and off the pitch, thanked his teammates for the memories they shared, and paid special tribute to the supporters for standing by the team through every high and low.
He spoke of his pride in helping return Sunderland to where he believes it belongs and reaffirmed that the club will always remain a part of him. His farewell message ended with red and white heart emojis.
Neil’s exit draws the curtain on a Sunderland story that began in the academy and ended with 201 senior appearances, multiple promotions, and the honour of captaining his hometown club at Wembley.
His loan spell at Ipswich Town will run until the summer, after which the midfielder will consider the next step in his career.
admin
