Sunderland coach Elliott Dickman said their fans' support in the Premier League International Cup final is something he will never forget, despite a 5-0 defeat to a strong FC Porto side.
A competition record of 18,317 people watched the final at the Stadium of Light, and despite a tough evening on the pitch Dickman says his Sunderland players should cherish the experience.
Elliott Dickman pays tribute to his players and the #SAFC fans following a memorable #PLInternationalCup run.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 17, 2017
➡️ https://t.co/yYPHqQyO0s pic.twitter.com/RIvSGxycEy
Dickman told safc.com: "It's tough to lose as heavily as we have but, to be fair to the lads, they kept going to the end, so I'm not going to rain on their parade too much because it's fantastic that they've got to a final."
"The fans were great and for us to have what we had here tonight is very unique; the lads need to treasure that and it's something that will stick with me for the rest of my life, and to have the support we were given is something that we will never forget."
