Former Tottenham midfielder Steed Malbranque admits Roy Keane was key to him agreeing a move to Sunderland.
He told Sunderland's website: "Of course, Roy Keane was a big factor in me coming here.
"He wants to win something and try to bring something very good to the club. It's a big challenge for him and for me."
Malbranque says he knows the Stadium of Light well and is looking forward to playing in front of the Wearsiders.
"It's a fantastic stadium with great supporters, and there's a great atmosphere inside the stadium," he said. "So I think if we can do something good we will have the fans behind the team."
Malbranque also issued a thank you to his former club.
"There are some good memories with Spurs," he added. "I had two great years there, and I want to say thank you to the fans, because they were behind me.
"I wish them all the best for the team, but now I turn the page and I have a new challenge."