Connolly makes switch from Sunderland to Millwall

Championship side Millwall have signed Republic of Ireland international Aaron Connolly on a permanent contract after the 24-year-old parted company with Sunderland.

Connolly moved to Wearside in September on a short-term deal and has started just two league games for the Black Cats, albeit scoring in one of them, a 1-1 draw away to Millwall in November.

Since bursting onto the scene at Brighton with a brace of goals against Tottenham in 2019, Connolly has struggled to maintain his early promise, with spells at Middlesbrough, Venezia and Hull City.

While at Sunderland, Connolly spoke of his struggles with alcohol and admitted his Premier League breakthrough at Brighton led to years of off-the-field turmoil.

He attended a treatment clinic last summer and thanked Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman for helping him get his career back on track.

Connolly said: "When I spoke to Kristjaan, I just thanked him for the opportunity this club gave me when many others wouldn't. It is something I will never forget and the love I felt from the fans after my first interview until my final game is something that I will always be grateful for.

"Physically and mentally, I leave Sunderland in a good place and I owe a lot of that to the people at the Club, including my team-mates and the staff. I’m now ready to play games regularly and I appreciate the Club’s understanding in allowing me to pursue this opportunity.

"I wish everyone at Sunderland the best of luck for what I’m sure will be a memorable end to a great season."

Millwall's director of football, Steve Gallen, welcomed Connolly to the Den and said: "We're pleased to bring Aaron into the club. When Alex [Neill] and I met him, we really liked his enthusiasm for what we want to do here.

"Aaron's been a bit unlucky not to play a bit more at Sunderland this season, but that has given us an opportunity to get him in. Still only 24, Aaron has a lot of experience for his age. He is at his best when running at defenders and we hope he gets plenty of opportunities to do that with us."

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