Steven Fletcher: I was sad to leave

Former Wolves striker Steven Fletcher today admitted his disappointment at leaving Molineux after signing for Sunderland.

The 25-year-old made his debut for the Black Cats in last night's 2-0 Capital One Cup victory over Morecambe after Wolves finally agreed to sell him for an initial £12m rising to £14m following a summer-long pursuit.

The former Burnley and Hibernian hitman is delighted to have won a return to the Premier League, but looks back on his time at Molineux with fondness despite suffering a second relegation in three seasons – he also went down with the Clarets in 2009-10.

Fletcher scored 24 goals in 68 games for Wolves, 22 of which came in just 41 Premier League starts, before he submitted a transfer request earlier this month.

But asked if he was sad to leave, he said: "I was. I enjoyed every minute I was at Wolves. The boys were fantastic, and the staff and the fans, so it was a bit disappointing. But

I've moved on now and I'm looking forward to playing here."

Fletcher, whose move more than doubled Wolves' previous record sale – Robbie Keane's £6m switch to Coventry in 1999 – admitted he feared at one point that the deal wouldn't go through, before his wish was finally granted on Friday.

He said: "It took its time. Bids were rejected and I was sitting there thinking it was never going to happen.

"I think I've had it too easy in the past. Up until now, it's just kind of happened and it's me who has been called and told 'You've been sold'.

"For it to drag on for so long was little a bit frustrating, but I'm happy to be here now."

Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill snapped up the Scot just hours before also landing England winger Adam Johnson.

Fletcher revealed the former Villa chief didn't have to work hard to persuade him his future lay at the Stadium of Light.

He said: "When you speak to the gaffer, you walk away feeling like a million dollars, so I'm looking forward to working under him."