Costel Pantilimon: I don't regret swapping Manchester City for Sunderland

COSTEL PANTILIMON has no regrets after swapping a successful title tilt for a relegation battle, Sunderland's giant goalkeeper admitting he was a frustrated spectator as Manchester City were crowned Premier League kings.

Advocaat: positivity key for Sunderland [AMBIENT]

Despite an at times chastening experience since moving to the Stadium of Light last summer on a free transfer to fulfil his need for regular first-team football, the Romania international insists he made the right choice to quit the soon to be deposed champions, where he started 29 games in three years, only seven of those in the league as understudy to England's Joe Hart.

The 28-year-old is enjoying being a more central part of the picture after ousting Vito Mannone for the Black Cats' No1 spot following the 8-0 humiliation at Southampton in October.

His 10 clean sheets have contributed to the fight for survival which sees Dick Advocaat's three points above the drop zone with confidence on the rise after the derby victory over Newcastle, a much-needed first win in nine games.

"I much prefer to be here," insisted Pantilimon, reflecting on his decision to leave City last June after earning two league and a Capital One Cup winners' medal.

"It's been tough, we're in a difficult place in the league, and I didn't think we'd be fighting relegation given the quality of the players we have here. But for me it was the right choice, and I'm happy to be here and part of this group.

"I'm asked if it was less stressful at City because I didn't play as much, but it wasn't really because it was a different type of stress there. We were expected to win every game and the prize was different to the goals of other clubs.

Costel Pantilimon says he prefers to be at SunderlandGETTY

Costel Pantilimon says he prefers to be at Sunderland

"Staying up with Sunderland and being first-choice goalkeeper here would be another big achievement. Coming here was the best option for me."

Sunderland go in search of back-to-back Premier League wins today for the first time this season at home to Crystal Palace in their efforts to pull further away from the danger zone under Advocaat.

I much prefer to be here

Costel Pantilimon

Pantilimon admits the atmosphere in the dressing room after Jermain Defoe's memorable strike sealed a 1-0 win over Newcastle was in stark contrast to the previous home game, last month's 4-0 defeat by Aston Villa that signalled the end of Gus Poyet's turbulent 17-month reign.

"We were playing very badly and the head coach has come in and given us a new motivation," added Pantilimon, who stands 6ft 7ins. "A new manager brings something fresh, and he's brought the enjoyment back, but the most important thing is to win games.

"After the Villa game, thoughts of relegation did cross your mind, but then we go and beat Newcastle and the atmosphere in the dressing room after that game was something else. It reminded me a lot of how it was at City after we won the league."

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