Former Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has insisted that he is pleased to see the club remain in the Premier League.

The Italian was sacked just five games into the season, with the Black Cats sitting bottom of the table.

Gus Poyet succeeded Di Canio at the Stadium of Light and steered the club to 14th place in the final standings.

"I'm happy for the fans because they are amazing. Their passion is amazing," Di Canio told Sky Sports News.

"I'm very happy that they stayed up."

Di Canio won just three of his 13 matches in charge of Sunderland.