Mahmoud snub for Black Cats - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Mahmoud snub for Black Cats

Iraq skipper Younis Mahmoud has revealed he turned down the chance to move to Premier League newboys Sunderland in May.

The striker, currently on international duty at the AFC Asian Cup, plays for Al Gharafa in the Qatari league and his fine form has attracted interest from a number of top European sides, although the 24-year-old insists he is not yet ready to leave behind his family.

"I spoke to Sunderland two months ago," said Younis. "They asked me but I have a problem and because of my family I will not go. Marseille and Lille also spoke with me but my family are in Iraq. I want to take them out but my father likes it there and won't go. Maybe next year I will move."

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