Sunderland have expressed their disappointment in relation to recent comments made by their former manager Paolo Di Canio.

The Italian, who was sacked by the club in September, hit out at squad members Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole over the weekend as he described his controversial time at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland have now confirmed that they are considering legal action following Di Canio's outburst.

"Sunderland AFC would like to express its disappointment in relation to the disparaging comments made recently by Paolo Di Canio, regarding the club and its players," read an official statement.

"The club is immensely proud of its players for the dignified and restrained manner in which they have conducted themselves publicly since Mr Di Canio's departure and it is particularly disappointing to read such comments when there are legal obligations in place to ensure such behaviour does not occur.

"The club is now considering its position with its legal representatives."

Di Canio is yet to return to management following his sacking by Sunderland.