Jermain Defoe realised that even he couldn’t defy his 39 years when tumbled in the box pleading for a penalty against Crewe two weeks ago.
Chasing a through ball he was half a yard ahead, but out-paced and outmuscled. The appeal was dismissed and it was effectively his only contribution to the League One game. Time catches up even with legends who have accumulated 22 years at the top, amassed 57 England caps and 305 senior goals.
At his peak, Defoe was up there with the best, a wriggling pest of a striker, with an enthusiasm and energy for the game that was infectious. The last chapter, his second coming at Sunderland fell flat, an emotional signing by the board to re-energise Wearside fans, that boss Lee Johnson didn’t want… and may have been a factor in his sacking.
