Cana bonds with Sunderland fans

Cana was made captain by Steve Bruce following his summer move to Wearside

Sunderland midfielder Lorik Cana says his committed style of play has helped endear him to the club's supporters.

The 26-year-old Albanian international arrived at the club from Marseille in July and has become a crowd favourite at the Stadium of Light.

"When you give 100%, you always have the respect of the fans and the club," he told BBC Newcastle.

"It's something more special in England. That's why I have a good relationship with the fans."

Prior to joining the Wearsiders, Cana had spent much of his career in the French Ligue 1 with Paris Saint Germain and Marseille.

But the Kosovo-born holding midfielder is enjoying the challenge, and the competitiveness, of the Premier League.

"Every game is a tough game, especially away. We saw in games like Stoke and Burnley it was really difficult, and we're preparing for that," he said.

"But when you play against the international stars like Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool you enjoy it a lot because you are playing against the best players in your position.

"Everybody watches the games in my country and around the world. I enjoy the game, every game is three points and something important to us."