He was a West Ham prodigy, a Tottenham hitman, Portsmouth’s cup winner, Sunderland’s saviour, Rangers’ talisman… But starting today, Jermaine Defoe is a pensioner. The 39-year-old English striker has announced his retirement from professional football.Defoe scored an impressive 305 goals in 764 appearances in senior club football, appearing for West Ham, Tottenham, Sunderland, Rangers, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and TorontoSaturday, 18.00: (2.05) Northampton (3.35) Hartlepool (3.80)East London-born Defoe signed his first professional contract with West Ham United in 1999, aged 16. He made his first-team debut in 2000. Over two decades later, he retires as the 9th highest Premier League scorer of all time. During his career, he scored 20 goals in over 50 caps for England. What’s even more admirable, he earned a medal for his charity work.”After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me. I made my professional debut at 17 years old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey and have met some amazing people in the game. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.”Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from professional football. 👏🏿 Happy retirement. pic.twitter.com/5ybCiu8kmQ— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) March 24, 2022 Tottenham is the club that held onto Defoe for the longest. He spent 10 years with Spurs and amassed 143 goals as well as 32 assists in 362 outings, while the highlight of his international career was appearing at the 2010 World Cup where he scored against Slovenia. “I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old, and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God.”Enjoy your retirement, old man!
