Former FC Basle midfielder Cabral is excited about his move to Sunderland.

Cabral has revealed he turned down the chance to play Champions League football in favour of joining Sunderland.

"I had a lot of offers and a lot of clubs were interested in me, including some who were in the Champions League," said Cabral, who has signed a three-year deal with the Black Cats.

"But I wanted to choose a club where the coach was ambitious. I had two conversations with Di Canio and I got the sense that he wanted to achieve something here with the players he was looking to bring in.

"I'd prefer to come to Sunderland than Arsenal, Everton or Tottenham where I might only be on the bench. I've got the chance to play regularly for a good club like Sunderland.

"But most of all, I chose Sunderland because of Di Canio.

"It's definitely been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League and now it's come true."