Monier joins Sunderland

Veteran Belgian Thomas Meunier joined English football club Sunderland on Wednesday, ahead of the team’s first participation in European competitions in 53 years.

Meunier, 34, became a free agent after making his third World Cup appearance, with his contract with Lille having expired during the tournament.

Sunderland announced that Meunier, who previously played for Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, had signed a two-year contract.

Sunderland were widely expected to be relegated last season, but they finished seventh and qualified for the UEFA Europa League.

Sunderland previously competed in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1973, after winning the FA Cup while playing in the second tier.

Meunier became the third Belgian player to join a new club since the Belgian national team’s loss to Spain in the World Cup round of 16 on Friday.