Fabio Borini says he has returned “home” following his permanent move to Sunderland before the close of the transfer window.

The Italian spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light, netting seven times in his 32 appearances, including in their Capital One Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Despite speculation he would look to stay on Wearside, he instead opted to return to Liverpool where he hoped to become a regular under Brendan Rodgers.

It was not to be though and after a season on the bench he eventually decided enough was enough and move returned to Sunderland permanently for a reported fee of £8million.

Borini is one of a host of new faces to have arrived this summer, with boss Dick Advocaat hoping to avoid another season-long fight against the drop.

Things have not exactly gone to plan so far though, with them only taking two points from their opening four games of the campaign.

The 24-year-old has not been swayed by their poor start and says he is delighted to have sealed a return.

“It is very nice to be back here because it is a place I called home,” Borini told the club’s website. “I remember I tweeted good things about Sunderland and my time here.

“A piece of my heart was always here from when I scored at Wembley so I’m back here to get that piece.”

Borini’s main task this season is likely to be helping Sunderland a void relegation and it could be an uphill struggle with them currently the 1.53 favourites for the drop ahead of Watford who are 2.25.