The midfielder was full of praise for the Sunderland faithful, claiming he had heard “many good things” about their support.
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Ndong had been compared to Michael Essien for his all-action game, although he needs to improve on a poor disciplinary record in Ligue 1.
The African midfielder admits Sunderland supporters might not know much about him – and that he is eager to prove his worth.
Striker Naismith is away on worldwide duty with Scotland but confirmed that his agent was talking to Sunderland about a potential loan move, although that switch apparently fell through because personal terms could not be agreed. Ndong see’s the move as a “new adventure” and one which he is a “dream come true” for him.
The 22-year-old Gabon worldwide midfielder was one of two arrivals on Wearside ahead of the 11pm deadline, with Manchester City 21-year-old defender Jason Denayer also joining the Black Cats on a season-long loan.
“It will be an honour to wear the Sunderland shirt and I will wear it with a true understanding of what it means”.
Ndong only joined Lorient from Tunisian side CF Sfaxien in January 2015 but – despite a brief struggle to establish himself in the side, not helped by a rash red card early in his Lorient career – quickly made himself a mainstay in midfield and did enough to earn a record transfer to the Stadium of Light.
“Today is the most lovely day of my life”.
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The 22-year-old will become Sunderland’s move expensive player after the two clubs agreed a 20million euros deal. The experienced former Rangers and Everton man had suggested the deal was going ahead but Sunderland were left short because of the finances involved.
