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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Seeing a Champions League winner cry after clinching 55 left me stunned

(Image: Shutterstock)

Jermain Defoe has revealed that Steven Gerrard broke down in tears when Rangers secured their 55th league title.

The former England striker was part of the squad that ended Celtic's dominance by winning the 2020-21 Premiership, their first league championship in ten years.

Speaking on The Warm-Up, Defoe admitted that lifting the title was more of a relief than a celebration. He said: "We had the players, but it was just a case of getting over the line. It was actually more of a relief when we won it.

"I remember sitting at the training ground, and when that final whistle went, of course, the feeling was unbelievable."

Defoe recalled the moment he saw Gerrard's tears of joy. "I remember turning around and the gaffer was sitting over there with the staff. I looked at him and he burst into tears.


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"He was crying uncontrollably and that’s how much it meant to him. A Champions League winner, and he burst into tears.

"I looked at him and thought: 'You know what, this is massive.' Not just for us, but for everyone."

The emotion shown by Gerrard highlighted the significance of reclaiming the title from their Glasgow rivals. Defoe added: "How do we stop them and win 55? That was all everyone was talking about. Can we be the ones to do it?

"When it finally happened, I could see how much it meant to everyone connected to the football club.

"These things can never be taken away from me."

The full interview is available on The Warm-Up YouTube channel.

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