Sunderland signing Fabio Borini delighted to seal Liverpool exit

Fabio Borini has expressed his delighted in having secured a permanent return to Sunderland after his move from Liverpool was sealed within the final 48 hours of the transfer window. Rumours had swirled that Brendan Rodgers would finally let the disappointing Reds striker go for good after allowing him to complete a loan spell with his old club two years ago.

Having scored just three times in 38 appearances for Liverpool after signing with the side in 2012, it appeared he was worth offloading as Rodgers looks to trim his squad of unused players. But for Borini the news of an exit from Anfield was rather joyful, with the £10m striker telling the official Sunderland website: "It's very nice to be back here. It's a place I call home. My heart is here. I came here after a season of injuries. We had a very successful season, we stayed up and we went to Wembley. When you go to a new club it can be difficult if you don't know the people. I am at Sunderland because I wanted to be and I am happy to be here.

The one-time Italy international will likely get a huge chance to prove himself now after being on the fringe of Rodgers' starting line up at Liverpool for some time. Black Cats' sporting director Lee Congerton's assessment of the star was certainly glowing as the side prepare for his return, as he explained: "Fabio is a player who I've known since he was 15 years old and I was fortunate enough to help recruit him to Chelsea. He has developed into a Barclays Premier League striker which we have already seen from his previous loan spell at the club, and we are delighted to have him here on a permanent basis."

While Borini was at Sunderland in his last loan spell with the club he scored seven times in 25 appearances; a vast improvement on his time with Liverpool. Whether this move will bring the 24-year-old into the Premier League spotlight remains to be seen but it will certainly be his big chance to help a side who have battled against relegation in recent seasons.