PATRICK Roberts has one thing on his mind after signing a new long-term contract at Sunderland - promotion to the Premier League.

Roberts put an end to the uncertainty surrounding his future after signing an extension to his contract which was due to expire at the end of this season. The former Manchester City forward has now committed himself to Sunderland until at least 2026, with the Black Cats then having the option to extend his new deal by a further year.

And by the time his new contract expires, he wants to have helped fire Sunderland into the top flight.

"The aim is to get promoted, that's what I wanted to do when I first arrived here and that's still the aim," said Roberts.

"Everyone in the club feels the same: the players, the board, the manager. It's something we strive towards every day. We have to take it game by game, but with new additions and keeping that same ethos that we have throughout the club, hopefully we'll get there in the end."

Southampton made a late summer move for Roberts and the Saints - and other Championship clubs - were monitoring Roberts' situation as he neared the end of his Sunderland contract. But the 26-year-old says leaving was never on his mind.

"It feels good. I've been here two years now and I've enjoyed every moment," said Roberts.

"I knew I was having conversations about it, so it was the only thing on my mind. I'm delighted to get it done, to still be here and to continue.

"It's nice to have it out the back of my mind and know where I'm going to be. Hopefully I can kick on and help the team get back to where they belong."

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Roberts has found a home at Sunderland. Prior to his move to Wearside, the winger had bounced around in loan spells at six different clubs.

"When you go on loan quite a bit you realise that when you're stable it's good for you, good for the mind and good for football," he says.

"It's been great here, I've loved everything about the club, the fans have been great with me. We've won a lot of games together, it's been a good journey, I want to continue and play as many games as I can.

"It's been a whirlwind, we've had a few managers, a promotion, a good season last year. It's been quite the ride. But that's what it's like at a big club and expectations will grow. We have to aim to get promoted, whether it's this year or next year.

"We have a good group here. It's young. I think I was the oldest on the pitch at the weekend but the lads are all willing to improve and off the pitch they're great. We have a good laugh, we play golf, PlayStation, we all get on, the morale is good. It's a good place to be at the minute."

Roberts also thanked Sunderland's fans for their backing.

He said: "Ever since I've come they've shown me so much support. I want to say thank you and I'm looking forward to continuing our journey together."

Roberts' agent, his brother Adam, took to social media after confirmation of the new contract and wrote: "This part of the story is called happiness.

"Finding a home and enjoying your football in this game is extremely hard. Already experienced some great moments and hopefully many more to come! A perfect fit."