---
title: "Coates: Sunderland move was right for me"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/coates-sunderland-move-was-right-for-me/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ian Hugo"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-07-31T15:53:58Z"
modified: "2015-07-31T18:23:23Z"
---

# Coates: Sunderland move was right for me

Former Reds’ centre-back Sebastian Coates says the decision to part ways with the Merseyside club was not a difficult one.

The 24-year-old defender signed for Liverpool in a £7m move from Uruguayan club Nacional in the 2011 summer transfer window and subsequently made just 24 appearances in four years at Anfield.

Coates’ time at Liverpool was marred by injuries and he was sent out on loan on more than one occasion, including a short loan back to Nacional and, most recently, to Sunderland for the 2014-15 Premier League campaign.

Coates says that when he first arrived on Wearside a permanent move was not on his mind, but over the last month of the season when Dick Advocaat took over for the Black Cats, it became clear that remaining at the Stadium of Light was the right path to take.

He is quoted in the *[Liverpool Echo](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sebastian-coates-leaving-liverpool-fc-9763547)* as saying: *“I did not think about making \[the move\] permanent. For me, it was a tough season but playing in the last six games was great.”*

*“It was an easy decision to come back \[to Sunderland\] because I know the manager, my team-mates, the club and the supporters. It was really easy.”*

*“It was not certain I would leave Liverpool this summer but I always thought I would have to speak with the club and see what the situation was.”*

*“I knew it was a great opportunity to come to Sunderland and play regularly in the Premier League. That is why I’m here.”*

Coates, who will be remembered by Liverpool supporters for his superb scissor kick against Queens Park Rangers in the 2011-12 Premier League season, is also a staple for his national team, after being selected for Uruguay’s 2014 World Cup team and taking part in their Copa America run earlier this summer in Chile.