Sunderland skipper Dean Whitehead has revealed he rejected a move to Reading last summer.

Whitehead says the decision to stay on Wearside was the best of his life as he helped inspire Sunderland to win promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

"It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make," Whitehead told the Evening Chronicle.

"But it is, without doubt, the best decision I've ever made. I had the choice last summer, but I wanted to stay with Sunderland, I wanted to get the club back into the Premier League.

"I've since been made captain by the manager and we won promotion at the first time of asking.

"Hopefully, I'll be able to play a part in keeping the club in the Premier League for many years."