AT first glance it could be argued Adam Johnson is turning his back on another season pushing for the Premier League title. He could also have ended up winning the Champions League.

On reflection, though, the career of Johnson is about to restart. He's won the Premier League, he has experienced the big time and now he is desperate to enjoy his football again.

At a time when players are criticised for concerning themselves purely about money, Johnson's return to the North-East highlights that money is still not everything for some.

Yes, he will still be earning a substantial, lucrative wage and, yes, the £12m transfer fee highlights there is still too much money flying around in the English game.

But this switch is also about job satisfaction too. Johnson has chosen to join Sunderland in a bid to help transform the club in to a top-flight force under Martin O'Neill rather than wait to see if any more Champions League clubs would come calling.

The 25-year-old missed out on representing his country at Euro 2012 this summer because, mainly, he was not a regular starter for Manchester City last season. 

For one of the finest attacking wing talents this country has on offer not to go to Poland and Ukraine was an indication of the sort of frustrations he endured under Roberto Mancini.

The former Middlesbrough winger has been told all about O'Neill and his managerial style by former team-mates who have worked under him. This is about Johnson reigniting his career and showing everyone what he can do.

Sunderland fans are already excited about the prospect of seeing him showcase his stuff in a red and white shirt. He has the ability to become a real local great at the Stadium of Light.

Born in Easington, just south of Sunderland, he has grown up surrounded by Sunderland fans so he knows what the club means to people from the area.  

Johnson might not have trips to the San Siro or the Bernabeu on his mind this season, but just to feel wanted again should provide the spark that all Sunderland fans have craved for years.

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By the way, in the Adam Johnson deal it's worth noting that Middlesbrough will not be due a cut of the £12m transfer fee paid to Manchester City.

When he left for the Etihad Stadium in January 2010 it was in a £6m deal which eventually rose to £8m, but there is no sell on clause which would have seen the club where it all started get a percentage of the deal.