Heart the size of a lion, body the size of a wardrobe
The Nigeria international grew up in London – at one stage finding himself at the same school as current team-mate Nyron Nosworthy – and arrived in the North East from Norwich in a £1.5m deal in July 2007.
The powerful midfielder began his career at Manchester City, spending two years at the club before being snapped up by Championship outfit Preston. Etuhu made his Sunderland debut in the club’s 1-0 opening day defeat of Spurs in August 2007, and scored his first goal in a priceless 2-0 win over Wigan six months later. A knee injury curtailed his involvement in the club’s escape from relegation.