ROSS STEWART has sent a parting message to Sunderland supporters – and thanked them for coining the ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ nickname that became such a big part of his time at the Stadium of Light.

Stewart’s time on Wearside came to an end on deadline-day last week when he completed a £10m move to Southampton.

The striker opted to head to St Mary’s after turning down offers of a new deal with the Black Cats, with the latter stages of his Sunderland career proving a frustrating period as he was sidelined for seven months in the wake of an Achilles injury sustained at the start of the year.

On the whole, though, his time in the North-East was hugely successful, with the 27-year-old scoring 40 goals in 81 senior appearances and playing a pivotal role in Sunderland’s promotion from League One.

Signed from Ross County, Stewart won a first senior Scotland cap during his two-and-a-half years at the Stadium of Light, and will always be grateful for the opportunity he was presented with.

“After getting some time to reflect over the last couple of frantic days, I wanted to write this message to say thank you to everyone at Sunderland AFC for giving me the opportunity to play and represent such a fantastic club,” said Stewart, in a parting message that was issued via Sunderland’s official website.

“The journey was surreal, from making my debut at Accrington Stanley to my final game at Fulham.

“I will always remember winning promotion with you at Wembley Stadium - the noise of the Red and White Army and experiencing that feeling with my incredible team-mates.

READ MORE:

“I’d like to thank the head coach and backroom staff, including the medical team who have helped over the last few months in a way that is difficult to express.”

Stewart also had a special message for the Sunderland fans, who came up with the ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ nickname in the early days of his time with the club.

“To the Sunderland fans, you really are amazing and you really do take over everywhere you go,” he continued. “You took to me in a way I could only have dreamed of - the nickname of the ‘Loch Ness Drogba’ that you sang about me every game is a feeling that will live with me for the rest of my life. I wish everyone connected with the club all the very best for the future.”