"She is fighting for her life and we all hope she can recover now and make it through. I wanted to get back to the team as that would make my mum proud of me."

Players come and go but the bond shared between them and the red and white army lasts a lifetime – and those in attendance on Saturday need to show the true strength of that relationship when Vito Mannone returns to the Stadium of Light.

Vito was part of the Sunderland family for four years and his connection with the club will never end despite the Italian moving to pastures new in July 2017, with his time on Wearside coming to an end following a move to Reading.

Like Jermain Defoe, he shared a close bond with Bradley Lowery and frequently visited the youngster – as well as countless others – during his time at the club to offer support and a friendly face to those in need when they needed it most.

Now, the Italian faces adversity of his own.

Last Tuesday, his mother, Elisa, suffered a life-threatening stroke hours before Reading faced Bolton Wanderers, and he immediately rushed to the airport to be by her bedside.

“She is delicate,” said Vito. “She is fighting for her life and we all hope she can recover now and make it through.

“I wanted to get back to the team as that would make my mum proud of me. I am happy to be back playing football as that is what my parents always wanted for me.”

He continued: “She’s still in hospital. She had an operation on her brain so we’re waiting to see what the outcome is.

“We will monitor her and we will see what happens in the next 72 hours – the operation went well.

“I have organised myself to go back to Italy again after the Sunderland game next Saturday, as we then have 10 days before the next game, and I hope to find her in a different position.”

Elisa remains in hospital and she and the Mannone family will be in the thoughts of everyone at Sunderland AFC throughout the week, and on Saturday when the Royals travel to the Stadium of Light.

The Italian was an outstanding professional during his time on Wearside and continually went above and beyond to support anyone and everyone connected with the club, while also playing his part in some unforgettable days from cup glory at Old Trafford and beyond to Great Escapes.

So, on Saturday lets rally behind the Italian and let him know that in these testing times he has the full support of the red and white army.

And when he takes to the field ahead of kick-off, we’re sure you’ll remember that song…