'It's time to be back in the Premier League' - Arca
- Published
Former Sunderland midfielder Julio Arca says "it's time for the club to be back in the Premier League" as they prepare for the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United.
The Black Cats play the Blades at Wembley on Saturday and Arca told BBC Radio Newcastle: "When the game arrives tomorrow, I think the players will feel that atmosphere.
"That is going to be fantastic to see so many Sunderland fans there in the stadium supporting the team. There's thousands going today. Thousands going tomorrow."
He added: "Hopefully it's a good day for the football club. It's been a while now so I think it's time for the club to get back to the Premier League and play against some of the biggest teams in the world."
The Argentine spent six years at the Stadium of Light and helped guide the club back to England's top flight in 2005.
He said: "I was lucky enough to win the Championship with Sunderland under Mick McCarthy and that was a fantastic season. That's when you realise how much it means for the people in Sunderland when you achieve a title. [Promotion] could mean a lot for the Sunderland fans."
Arca is confident Regis Le Bris' side can get back to where many fans and pundits say they belong.
"I believe they can do it," he said.
"Yes, probably the last seven or eight games the team didn't play as well as the fans wanted to see but at the end of the day you have to get through every game. Yes, sometimes they've been lucky but you need that on your side as well.
"I'm sure the team's got enough. There's some talented players there that can change games and I keep my fingers crossed that hopefully they do it and they're back in the Premier League."