Arca ready for Sunderland's campaign

Julio Arca is ready to put six months of misery behind him by helping Sunderland to a successful Premiership season.

The Black Cats’ Argentinian ace has fully recovered from a groin problem and is champing at the bit for the new campaign to start.

Arca cut a dejected figure in the last three months of last season, with injury ruling the 21-year-old out of Premiership action as Sunderland struggled against relegation.

His mood was not helped by Argentina’s shock early exit at the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea this summer, but Arca is already looking ahead to what he hopes will be an enjoyable campaign at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "Last season was frustrating for me because I missed so many games through injury.

"I have done some training in Argentina over the summer and am feeling fit. There is no problem with my old injury.

"Last season was not so good for me and not so good for the club and I’m hoping to find the form I showed in my first season at Sunderland.

"I like being here and am looking forward to what I’m hoping will be a successful season."

Arca watched Argentina’s World Cup dreams fade away while at home in South America and admits the outcome left the country feeling down.

"Football means so much to people there and there were some sad faces around," he said.

"And Brazil winning the tournament made it worse. But it shows that football is always full of surprises - no matter what competition you play in and that is why it is so exciting."

Arca became an instant hit with the fans after moving to Sunderland in August 2000 and he is hoping to rediscover that early form.

"The Sunderland fans have been great with me and it would be nice to repay them by bringing some success to the club," he added.