Sebastian Larsson admits he rejected a return to Arsenal for Sunderland due to manager Steve Bruce.
The Gunners had expressed an interest in taking their former winger back to the Emirates but Larsson had reservations about his first-team chances.
Despite interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle, Swede Larsson, 26, has agreed to become a Black Cats player on July 1, when his contract at Birmingham expires.
He said: "I had other alternatives but it's great to sign with a club like Sunderland.
"Steve Bruce showed he wanted me and that's important. Sunderland are building for the future."
