ALEXANDRE Mendy has reiterated his desire to join Sunderland this summer, with the striker saying he is "waiting for his departure" and urging Caen to respect his wishes.

Caen were this week taken over by Interconnected Ventures, founded by Kylian Mbappe, with the new owners said to be keen on trying to convince Mendy to stay put.

But the 30-year-old has now released a fresh statement saying his mind is made up and telling of how he feels "wronged and betrayed" by his current club.

Sunderland have held talks with the striker, who scored 22 goals in 37 appearances in the French second tier last term, but the Black Cats are still playing the waiting game with just a week to go until the start of the new Championship season.

Mendy was also wanted by clubs in Saudi this summer but is desperate to move to Wearside.

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In a new statement released to the media in France, Mendy said, via a statement: “I read a lot of things but I have always respected the institution.

“If I am not in training, it is in agreement with Olivier Pickeu and Pierre-Antoine Capton. I do not want to engage in a power struggle with the club but, today, I am very affected by this situation, I do not understand, I feel wronged and betrayed.

“My decision was made since January and since June my destination is known. I am waiting for my departure, new investors have arrived, I am at their entire disposal. My advisor continues to do his job, I let him do it, I have complete confidence in him.

“Today in my mind I am no longer here because since my last match and my farewell to the Ornano stadium, I do not want to cheat my partners, the club, the supporters. There is no clash, I just count on the word and the commitments of my leaders and I have complete confidence in them. I repeat, I am at the disposal of the new management to explain my choice and I also take advantage of this moment to thank the supporters.

“Thank you sincerely for the love I received, especially during the communion with the fans on the last day, alongside my wife and children, it is a moment engraved for life. Now, it is impossible for me to refuse what I have sought through the strength of my work, it is the reward for my work, my investment and I hope that everyone will respect their commitments.”