CORRY Evans has said an emotional goodbye to Sunderland after his summer exit was confirmed, with the midfielder describing captaining the Black Cats as the "greatest honour of his career".

Evans will depart alongside Bradley Dack, while Ellis Taylor and Jack Diamond will also move on when their contracts expire.

Mason Burstow returns to Chelsea after his loan spell, while Callum Styles heads back to Barnsley but Sunderland still have the option to sign the Hungary international on a permanent deal this summer.

Evans is the most-profile departure, with the midfielder moving on after making 67 appearances in his three years at the Stadium of Light.

He led Sunderland to promotion from League One and played a key role in the first half of the 2022/23 season before suffering a serious knee injury against Middlesbrough early last year, which ruled him out for 15 months.

The 33-year-old returned to action at the end of the season and made three substitute appearances from the bench, but will look for a new club this summer.

After his exit was confirmed, Sunderland published an open letter from Evans to the club's supporters.

He wrote: "Dear Sunderland Fans,

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my departure from the club. This club, and all of you, have been my family for the past three years, and leading this team as captain has been the greatest honour of my career. Your unwavering support, passion, and loyalty have been a constant source of inspiration to me and my teammates.

"Together, we've experienced unforgettable highs. That day at Wembley is one that I will never forget. It's been a privilege to fight for this badge and to represent you on the pitch.

"Though my journey with Sunderland is coming to an end, myself and my family will forever be supporting you. Thank you for everything, and I wish the Club nothing but success in the future.

"Ha'way the Lads! Corry."

RECOMMENDED READING:

Dack moves on after an underwhelming 12 months on Wearside after joining from Blackburn last summer, with his sole season at the club disrupted by injury.

He enjoyed an encouraging first month of the season but played just four times from the end of December onwards and started only six games in the entirety of the campaign.

Sunderland have opted against exercising an option to extend Diamond's contract by a year. The 24-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at Carlisle United.

Taylor will also move on, with 21-year-old having made two League Cup appearances for the first team.

The Black Cats are still deliberating over whether to make Styles' move permanent. The 24-year-old started 10 Championship games in the second half of the season after joining from Barnsley late in the January window.

Sunderland have confirmed the exit of 10 academy players this summer, with Ben Creamer, Callum Wilson, Connor Pye, Daniel Obolo, Harry Gardiner, Jayden Sekete, Joe Ryder, Kailem Beattie, Michael Spellman and Thomas Chiabi all set to move on.

New deals have been offered to Cuba Mitchell, Daniel Cameron, Henry Fieldson, Jenson Jones, Luke Bell and Tom Lavery.

The club said: "All at Sunderland AFC would like to thank our departing players for their professionalism and commitment and we wish them well for the future."