‘These are true fans , fans who will always be there. In good times and bad.’: Jordy Clasie praises Sunderland fans ahead of Europa League clash

‘These are true fans , fans who will always be there. In good times and bad.’: Jordy Clasie praises Sunderland fans ahead of Europa League clash AZ face Sunderland in their opening match of the Europa League on Wednesday evening. The Eredivisie side are in the north-east of England to face a Sunderland side who are enjoying a welcome return to fortunes having only returned to the Premier League last season. AZ captain Jordy Clasie is confident that his side can get a result against Sunderland. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Clasie said ‘ We know it is a difficult opponent and that we won’t win easily ‘. Clasie is no stranger to English football, having spent time in England with Southampton between 2015 and 2017. It was from Southampton that Clasie returned to Dutch football ad joined AZ in 2019. He has since gone on to play 240 games for AZ, scoring 12 goals. Yet, during his time in England, Clasie was more than aware of Sunderland and prior to the Europa League clash he was full of praise for the Sunderland fans. Clasie said ‘ These are true fans , fans who will always be there. In good times and bad. They haven’t played at the highest level for a while ‘. AZ will certainly have to content with a fantastic atmosphere at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night as the Premier League side return to European football for the first time in a long time. GBeNeFN  |  Ben Jackson