The Swiss midfielder arrives at the Stadium of Light on a three-year deal after six successful years at FC Basel where he won five league titles and three Swiss Cups.

And the 24-year-old told Sunderland’s official website that he cannot wait to get going under the leadership of Paolo Di Canio. 

"This is a new challenge for me and I am looking forward to it," he said.

"Playing in Basel, we won everything in Switzerland and I played in the Champions League and Europa League. Now I have a new challenge in England and for me it is the best league."

Cabral also spoke of his excitement to play at the Stadium of Light in front of Sunderland’s supporters: “Now I am playing for Sunderland in England; I am happy.

"In Basel there are passionate fans - around 20,000 or so per game - but this different. Every game we play, the fans are always there and that is important for the team. In the game, I battle for the fans."