Sam Greenwood opens up on Sunderland exit and Bielsa 'genius' after leaving Arsenal

Former Sunderland youngster Sam Greenwood admitted it was tough to leave the North East at the age of just 16 to join Arsenal. The midfielder came through the academy ranks on Wearside, but left the club in 2018 for North London when the club accepted a reported fee of £500,000 for his services.

Greenwood is back in the North East now, having made a loan switch to Middlesbrough from Leeds United, and is looking forward to playing under Michael Carrick. It has been an uneventful career so far for the 21-year-old, with a move to Elland Road to work under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020, but he has made the most of his experiences to date.

“Arsenal came in for me and at the time Sunderland were struggling a little bit so I got sold," he said. It can be tough moving away at that stage, away from your family, especially me. I'd never been out of the North East really, so it can be tough. But I got used to it over time and enjoyed the experience.

“It was really tough (to leave Arsenal) but I would say Bielsa is a genius at what he does. Without having a really close relationship with the players, he keeps his distance and his knowledge is unbelievable. The intensity of training is so high. You have to be so mentally strong to be able to get through every day.

“My time at Leeds has been great. I've enjoyed it so much. But now I'm just excited to be playing for Middlesbrough. I know how big this club is, and I know they have a massive following. I can't wait to kick on.”

Greenwood made his Boro debut as a second half substitute against Queens Park Rangers last weekend and is in contention for a starting place when they face Blackburn following the international break. He will come up against his former side Sunderland in front of the TV cameras when the two clubs meet at the Stadium of Light on October 7.

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