Alex Neil admits Jermain Defoe's retirement came as a 'shock' - saying the ex-England striker gave no indication that he preparing to hang up his boots when he trained earlier that day. Defoe announced last Thursday that he was calling time on his 23-year career, less than two months after rejoining Sunderland for a second stint on Wearside having left Scottish giants Rangers in January.
The 39-year-old had signed a contract that ran until the end of the season but decided to retire with seven games of the League One campaign still remaining, having made just seven appearances - including only two starts - since his return to the club, and without scoring a goal. Neil says the news came out of the blue, with Defoe having trained on the day without giving any clue as to his decision.
But Neil insists Defoe leaves with the club's best wishes, and says he has spoken to the former Spurs and West Ham man since his departure. "We wish him well," said Neil.
