A FORMER Sunderland football hero has been presented with the highest honour his adopted city can bestow.
Former Black Cats striker, manager and chairman Niall Quinn was tonight (Monday) presented with the Freedom of Sunderland.
The Republic of Ireland international was honoured by Sunderland City Council for his contribution to Wearside.
Accepting the honour, Quinn said: "I feel as if the Sunderland experience has shaped my life and all the good things which have happened here.
"Straight away I became a believer in the club and the people.
"It's such a thrill and an honour to do something that I love and to get this honour at the end of it all is very touching".
Also presented with the Freedom of the city was Joel Batteux, the Mayor of St Nazaire, in France, for his long-standing commitment and friendship with the city.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel