Some of the biggest names in English football have praised Jermain Defoe after the Sunderland forward announced his retirement with immediate effect. The 39-year-old released a statement on Twitter on Thursday morning confirming that his career spanning four decades was coming to an end.
Defoe has made six appearances in the red and white of Sunderland since returning for 'one last dance' at the end of the January transfer window. The striker is yet to break his goal scoring duck since returning to Wearside two months ago, but the transfer was always about more than just his goals.
Defoe struck up a rapport with Sunderland supporters that very few before have been able to achieve and his influence off the pitch should not go unnoticed. Ross Stewart has spoken at length about Defoe's impact in the Black Cats dressing room, as the Scot earned his first call-up to the international scene.
