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Jermain Defoe retires aged 39 as ex-Tottenham and West Ham star calls time on 22-year career

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FORMER England striker Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from football, aged 39.

SunSport revealed on Tuesday that the ex-West Ham and Tottenham man was on the verge of calling time on his career.

He broke through as a teenager at West HamCredit: Getty
Defoe enjoyed some of his best years playing for TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Defoe also enjoyed success in Scotland with RangersCredit: PA
He scored 20 goals for England during a 13-year international careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

And, although his Sunderland contract is up at the end of the season, Defoe has confirmed his retirement from the sport with immediate effect.

The Premier League’s ninth-highest goalscorer of all-time announced the news with a lengthy social media statement.

He posted on Twitter: “After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me.

“I made my professional debut at 17 years old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey, and have met some amazing people in the game.

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Former Spurs star Jermain Defoe on verge of announcing retirement aged 39

“Football will always remain in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career I’ve had.

“I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.

“Thank you to all the fans from each club I’ve played for. The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with all of you.

“Thank you also to my amazing team mates, coaches, and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.

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Defoe spent three years scoring goals for Sunderland in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
Defoe became friends with terminally ill six-year-old Bradley Lowery during his stint with SunderlandCredit: PA:Press Association

“Lastly, I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God.”

Defoe scored 162 goals in the Premier League.

Across 19 years in the English top flight he netted for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth.

He also enjoyed four seasons with Rangers where he helped them win the Scottish Premiership last year.

Defoe was also potent in front of goal for his country, netting 20 times in 57 appearances for England.

He went to the World Cup in 2010, scoring in a 1-0 win over Slovenia in the group stages.

And he was also part of the squad which reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

DEFOE’S CAREER RECORD

HIS clubs and goals

Games Goals

West Ham (1994-2004) 105 41

Bournemouth (2000-01) 31 19

Tottenham (2004-08) 176 64

Portsmouth (2007-08) 36 17

Tottenham (2008-2014) 186 79

Toronto (2014) 21 12

Sunderland (2014-17) 93 37

Bournemouth (2017-19) 34 4

Rangers (2018-22) 74 32

Sunderland (2022) 7 0

TOTAL 763 305

England (2004-17) 57 20

As well as his hugely successful playing career, Defoe’s stint at Sunderland brought out his incredibly caring nature off the pitch.

The bond the forward struck up with Bradley Lowery tugged at the heartstrings of fans across the world and inspired millions.

Defoe befriended little Bradley, a terminally ill six-year-old Sunderland supporter with neuroblastoma, who passed away in June 2017.

‘Best mates’, the inseparable duo walked out at the Stadium of Light together on numerous occasions, with Defoe regularly pictured beside Bradley in hospital.

The youngster even led out England at Wembley alongside his hero three months before his death.

Tottenham’s official Twitter account paid tribute to the striker, replying to his post by saying: “A legend of the game. Congratulations on an inspirational career, @IAmJermainDefoe. 👏💙”

And Rangers responded with a compilation video of Defoe’s best goals for the Scottish champions.

The England team also hailed the 39-year-old, saying: “Congratulations on a brilliant career, Jermain. Wishing you all the very best for the future! 👊”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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