Stokes: It was time to move on

Anthony Stokes feels joining Sunderland is the biggest decision of his career to date.

Anthony Stokes feels joining Sunderland is the biggest decision of his career to date.

The teenage striker plumped for a permanent move to the Championship side ahead of Charlton Athletic and Celtic earlier this week.

Stokes has joined in a £2million move from Arsenal, after scoring 16 goals whilst on loan at Falkirk in the first half of the season.

He acknowledged it was a tough decision to make, but is happy to have agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at The Stadium of Light.

"It was very difficult, it was probably the biggest decision of my career so far," said Stokes in a press conference on Sky Sports News.

"I'm delighted with everything and I was happy with everything they had to say.

"It's a great club and I hope to do as well as I can."

Having made just one senior appearance for Arsenal, coincidentally as a late substitute against Sunderland, the Irishman admitted that he had made his mind up to move on prior to the start of the season.

Stokes added: "Really just in the last few months before I went to Falkirk, I thought I was better off to try and get first-team football.

"I went and done that, and from there things have developed and I've ended up here, which I'm very happy with.

"I'm delighted to be here."