Sunderland veteran Dwight Yorke has admitted his time on Wearside has been one of the happiest in football.
The Trinidad & Tobago international is expected to leave this summer but says he is indebted to manager Roy Keane for prolonging his top-flight career.
"It's been fantastic, getting promoted and winning the championship," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"And no doubt to get in the Premier League. Who would have said at 36 I'd be playing in the Premier League?"
Yorke won a hatful of honours alongside Keane at Manchester United and believes his enjoyment of the game has helped him to remain a key figure in the Irishman's side.
"The gaffer knows my personality, and that was part of the reason I was brought into the club because he needed someone with a bit of experience," he said.
"He needed someone happy-go-lucky. He felt that was missing from the team when I came and of course with my experience which the lads have responded to me well.
"I couldn't wish for better lads to be around, they acknowledge what I've done and achieved in the game, and I hope that I've passed on lots of good information."
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