Jermain Defoe has reiterated it was "the right time" to retire after struggling to get up to speed since joining from Rangers. The former Sunderland striker re-joined the Black Cats on Deadline Day in the hope of firing the Wearsiders towards promotion.
The former England striker claims he didn't want to stand in the way of any young players trying to break into the first-team. The 39-year-old has called time on an illustrious career and will be fondly remembered on the banks of the River Wear.
Despite ranking among the Premier League's all-time top goal scorers, it was not until the 2020-21 season that Defoe won his first league title with Rangers. A year as player/coach would follow, but he admits struggling to balance his playing career and coaching career, played a part in his decision to retire.
