Sunderland’s young Star Chris Rigg Sends a surprise Message to Sheffield United Ahead of Wembley Final

• Sunderland’s young Star Chris Rigg Sends a surprise Message to Sheffield United Ahead of Wembley Final

Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg has delivered a message of respect and readiness to Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United ahead of next weekend’s highly anticipated Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium.

The 17-year-old midfielder, who has emerged as one of Sunderland’s brightest talents this season, spoke confidently but respectfully about the challenge that awaits as the Black Cats face a Blades side eager for an instant return to the Premier League.

“Sheffield United are a strong team, who were in the Premier League last season and are one game away from returning,” Rigg said in an interview with Sunderland’s in-house media. “It’s going to be a great challenge because we have already had two good games against them this season. Our preparations for the final are already underway, and we’re looking forward to the challenge because these are the moments that matter.”

Sunderland booked their place at Wembley after edging past Coventry City 3-2 on aggregate in a tense two-legged semi-final. Meanwhile, Sheffield United produced a dominant 6-0 win over Bristol City, cementing their position as favourites to return to the top flight.

Despite his youth, Rigg is taking it all in his stride. He reflected on the team’s journey and the support of the Sunderland faithful.

“We felt their support from the moment we left the Academy of Light,” he said. “To go away and do what we did at Coventry  it felt like there was this surge of momentum, a real wave of togetherness. And we made them proud.”

Recalling the intensity of the semi-final second leg, Rigg added: “I was buzzing for the game all day on Tuesday. With it being a later kick-off, the excitement just built up, and when we got into the ground, the warm up, it was bouncing. I was so ready to play. Now it’s Wembley. I’m 17 years old  it doesn’t get much bigger than that. To walk out on a stage like that, in front of 90,000 people… It’s the kind of game you dream of being involved in.”

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris echoed Rigg’s sentiments, praising the team’s journey this season while making it clear that their focus is fully on the Wembley showdown.

“Getting to the final shows that this season has been fantastic,” Le Bris said. “It is very important to say that because you can win or lose at the end, but what we have lived together this season was absolutely brilliant. We cannot forget that.”

However, Le Bris knows there is still one hurdle to clear and has praised Sheffield United’s quality, noting their impressive 92-point haul in the regular season despite a two-point deduction and their commanding play-off semi-final display.

“We have one more game,” Le Bris added. “It will be another tough challenge, but we will be really focused on that game now. We will switch our attention to Wembley towards the end of the week, and then we will have a full week to prepare for the game. That is the next step for us now.”

Sunderland’s players and staff were granted a short break following their emotionally and physically demanding win over Coventry. Preparations for the final will resume in full as they return to the training ground and gear up for what could be a historic day for the club and a dream moment for young Chris Rigg.