Sunderland defender Trai Hume has highlighted the Europa League trip to AC Milan as a particularly sweet fixture following the draw for the competition's league phase. Speaking to reporters this week, Hume referenced the chant from local rivals Newcastle United that has added extra spice to the upcoming European encounter.
Hume pointed directly to the song from Magpies supporters which taunts that "you'll never see a Mackem in Milan." The full-back admitted that the prospect of playing at the iconic San Siro is exciting for that very reason. He stressed, however, that the Black Cats are fully aware of the challenge posed by all their group opponents, including trips to Belgium and Poland. The squad's aim is to be competitive in every match.
Club captain Luke O'Nien shared a similar sense of disbelief and excitement upon hearing the draw. He explained that he was on the training pitch when the news came through and initially didn't believe it. O'Nien confirmed that ticket requests from fans began flooding in immediately.
O'Nien was clear that the team's approach will not change despite the glamour of the fixture. "We're going out there to be competitive, like in every single game we compete in," he told reporters. More importantly, he framed the qualification as a step towards a larger goal for the club. The self-styled "Mr. Sunderland" stated the objective is to normalise European football at the Stadium of Light, making such campaigns a regular occurrence over the next decade.
This European adventure comes amid a solid start to the Premier League season for Sunderland. The team currently sits comfortably in the top half of the table, a position they will look to consolidate alongside their continental commitments. Balancing domestic and European schedules will test the squad's depth, a factor manager Regis Le Bris will manage closely.
Key players like Hume and O'Nien will be vital across both fronts. The club's recent form, visible on our standings page, provides a strong platform for this dual challenge. The upcoming fixtures, including this historic trip to Italy, represent a major milestone in the club's recent progress under the current regime.
The chant Hume referenced stems from Newcastle's own recent encounters with AC Milan. The Magpies faced the Italian giants twice during the 2023-24 Champions League group stage, drawing at the San Siro and losing at St James' Park. Their fans' adaptation of the chant now gives Sunderland a direct opportunity to respond on the pitch.
For Sunderland supporters, the chance to travel to Milan and support their team in such a prestigious venue is a moment many thought might never come again. It marks a dramatic shift in fortunes and narrative from the club's recent history outside the top flight. The draw has undoubtedly captured the imagination of the fanbase, adding a fierce local rivalry subplot to a European night.
The immediate focus is on preparing for a tough Europa League group. As Hume noted, matches in Belgium and Poland will be just as demanding as the glamour tie against Milan. The league phase format means every match carries weight towards qualification for the knockout rounds.
Manager Regis Le Bris will now plot a course through this busy period, use the full breadth of his squad. The club's ambition, as voiced by O'Nien, is to ensure this is not a one-off but the start of sustained European participation. Achieving that will require maintaining their Premier League status and continuing to develop, a process fans can track through our detailed stats and squad pages. The journey begins with a memorable trip to Milan, a fixture loaded with meaning for players and fans alike.
