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Seb Larsson: Steve Bruce was the key
SEB LARSSON has revealed Steve Bruce was the real reason he joined Sunderland and knocked back a return to Arsenal.
The Gunners had expressed an interest in taking Larsson back to the Emirates, but the Swedish winger had doubts about his first-team chances.
Despite interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle, Larsson has agreed to join Sunderland on July 1, when his contract at Birmingham expires.
Larsson, 26, said: “I had alternatives, but it’s great to sign for a club like Sunderland. Steve Bruce showed he really wanted me and that’s important.
I had alternatives, but it’s great to sign for a club like Sunderland
“Sunderland are building for the future and want to be better than last year.”
Bruce has also offered Blackpool’s David Vaughan a deal and signed goalkeeper Keiren Westwood and South Korean striker Ji Dong-Won.
Talks are continuing with Manchester United to bring Darron Gibson, Wes Brown and John O’Shea to Wearside.