Sunderland winger Jewison Bennette claims he struggled at initially in Wearside, but he now has a better bond with his teammates.
The 19-year-old joined Sunderland from Costa Rican club Herediano in the summer of 2022, making 15 Championship games and scoring a spectacular equaliser in a 2-2 draw against Watford.
Bennette became a popular figure just months after arriving to Wearside, as he was seen catching the bus home with his father after the club’s tie with Preston last October. Nonetheless, adjusting to a new environment was difficult.
“Honestly, it was quite difficult for me to be in England at first because I didn’t speak English,” Bennette told the newspaper La Nacion. “It was difficult at first, but thanks to classes with a teacher who helped me communicate with them, I gradually began to have a better relationship with my teammates.” I was adapting, which contributed significantly to the team’s positive mood.
“The transportation issue was complicated. I was travelling with my father, and we didn’t have a car, so we took the bus or walked when transit was unavailable. There was even a driver who recognised me and did not charge me when he boarded the bus. It was challenging, but thank God, everything returned to normal, and communication has greatly improved.
“A teammate, the captain, realised I needed to travel by bus and, because he lived near my house, he began driving me to training.” He assisted me in communicating and practising English, which greatly benefited me, and everything has gradually improved.”
Bennette has made more appearances for Sunderland’s under-21s this season than for the senior team, starting against Norwich, Manchester United, and Aston Villa in Premier League 2.
“It is a high-level tournament with Premier League clubs, where the players have contact with the first team,” Bennette said of playing for the under-21s. “Recently, we faced Manchester United and drew 5-5 in the final minute.” We also played Aston Villa, who have extremely talented players, which gives us rhythm. We’re learning and progressing.”
The winger, who is playing for Costa Rica’s under-23s during the international break, missed some games last month due to sickness but returned to the main squad for matches against Watford and Middlesbrough. As he waits for an opportunity, the adolescent is now aiming for more game time with the first team.
“I prepare myself day by day and work professionally,” he went on to say. “After that, it’s up to the coach whether he chooses me or not; that’s part of his personality.” In any event, I take it day by day, whether I play or not. I prepare myself because I have to work twice as hard, so that when the time comes, I can take advantage of it.”
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