The uncle of Sunderland's newest signing Adam Johnson says that it is not only his nephew who is delighted at his return 'home' to Sunderland.
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Johnson is from Easington, near Sunderland, and his uncle, Freddie Welsh has told Sky Tyne and Wear that the winger's return 'home' has been met with real delight in his community.
Freddie said: "The whole family's buzing, the whole mining community, the villages round here.
"Everybody's excited. He's back home where he should be, playing for Sunderland."
Johnson completed his move from Manchester City to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee believed to be worth £12million, penning a four-year contract.
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill also tied up a big-money agreement for striker Steven Fletcher from Wolves on the same day.
Sunderland have pulled off quite a coup in landing a man widely considered to be among the best technical performers in England.
Manchester City signed Johnson in 2010 and he formed part of their Premier League title-winning squad last season.
Johnson did, however, struggle to hold down a regular role at City throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium and grew increasingly frustrated at life in the shadows.
In order to bring consistency to his game, and to aid his claims to an international spot, he believes a return to his native North East - where he has previously turned out for Middlesbrough - is the best decision for him at this stage of his career.
On securing Johnson's signature, O'Neill told Sunderland's official website: "Adding quality players to the squad has been our main aim this summer and Adam certainly fits that bill.
"He has terrific ability, great delivery and I'm sure he is a player who will excite our fans.
"I couldn't be more delighted to have him at the football club.
Adding quality players to the squad has been our main aim this summer and Adam certainly fits that bill."
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