Jermain Defoe's much anticipated Sunderland return was one of the stories of the January transfer window. The return of the prodigal son coming home to fire the Black Cats to the Championship.
Things haven't quite panned out that way. In truth, the majority of Sunderland supporters knew the Defoe that signed on the dotted line two months ago was not the same player who gave them so many brilliant memories in the Premier League.
A Tyne-Wear derby winner saw him write his name into Black Cats folklore, but it was his friendship with young Bradley Lowery that captured the hearts of the city. A man full of compassion in the modern game where players personalities are stifled.
