Didier Ndong is determined to live up to his record price-tag at Sunderland.

The Gabon midfielder arrives in England as a relative unknown despite being one of the rising stars of French football in his one season at Lorient.

Ndong had been compared to Michael Essien for his all-action game, although he needs to improve on a poor disciplinary record in Ligue 1.

He said: “Maybe the Sunderland fans don't know me yet but I promise that they will quickly discover that I will give everything for them and the club.

“It will be an honour to wear the Sunderland shirt and I will wear it with a true understanding of what it means."