Grant Leadbitter has returned to Sunderland AFC, signing a two-and-half year deal at the Stadium of Light.

An Academy of Light graduate, the midfielder, who is a life-long Sunderland fan, returns to his boyhood club after departing almost a decade ago.

Leadbitter progressed through the ranks with the Lads and made his first-team debut in September 2003, coming off the bench in a League Cup tie against Huddersfield Town.

Upon leaving the Stadium of Light, he signed for Ipswich Town where he made 126 appearances before sealing a return to the north east with Middlesbrough in 2012.

The 33-year-old enjoyed a terrific six years on Teesside, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year following a standout 2014-15 campaign, before captaining the club to Premier League promotion one year later.

Speaking about his return to Sunderland, Leadbitter said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back, I’m buzzing.

“When you’re a born-and-bred Sunderland fan and there’s an opportunity to come back to the football club, well, I was never going to say no I can tell you that.

“I’m here to do a job and help the club. The football club means a lot to me for sentimental reasons, but I’ve spoken to Jack Ross a lot in the last few days, and I’m excited by his plans.

“I share his ambitions and I really can’t wait to get going.”

Manager Jack Ross, added: “We haven’t brought Grant back for sentimental reasons, he could have easily continued his career in the Championship.

“Once I started speaking to him, I had a real feel for how desperate he was to come back to Sunderland, and how much he wants to help take the club back to where he feels it belongs.

“He understands we have a long path ahead of us, but his playing career speaks for itself, and he’s ready to play his part.”