Thomas Sorensen has opened up about one of the most consequential decisions of his career — choosing Sunderland over Ajax and Udinese in 1998 — and credits his parents for steering him toward what he calls one of the best moves he ever made.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, the former Danish goalkeeper recalled dismissing the approach from the northeast English club almost immediately. "I was talking to a few clubs, like Ajax and Udinese, who had a long history of Danish players," Sorensen said. "Then this left-field offer came in from Sunderland. I hadn't heard a lot about them and I sort of dismissed it."

It was his mother and father who persuaded him to at least make the trip to Wearside before making up his mind. The visit proved decisive. "My mum and dad told me to go over and have a look. I was blown away," he said. "I knew that this was the right thing for me. I would get an opportunity to play, I loved the feel of the northeast and their passion for football. It was probably one of the best decisions I ever made."

Adapting to Peter Reid's old-school methods

Sorensen also reflected on working under manager Peter Reid, whose approach required some adjustment. "I had to get used to all the swearing!" Sorensen admitted with candour.

Reid's style, however, was built on more than sharp language. Sorensen described him as a manager who understood the value of togetherness in the dressing room. "He was a great manager. One of the old school. He was probably the last manager I had who would allow the players to go out and have a few drinks," Sorensen said.

"He cherished that camaraderie. He really encouraged the players to spend a lot of time together and that was probably part of our success. He said things as they were. He could be quite tough, but he was fair."