The former Tottenham and England striker has hung up his boots at the age of 39.
Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from professional football on social media.
The 39-year-old returned to Sunderland in January on a free transfer from Rangers. However, he made just two starts in seven League One appearances for the Black Cats. His final game was on last Saturday, where he came off the bench for a 16-minute cameo in a 0-0 draw against Lincoln City.
Now Defoe has ended his second spell at the Stadium of Light early to pull the curtain on a career spanning over two decades.
‘Now is the right time to bow out’
“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,” Defoe said in a statement on social media.
“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.
“Football will always remain in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career that I’ve had. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.
“Thank you to all the fans from each club I’ve played for. The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with you all. Thank you also to my amazing team-mates, coaches, and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.
“Lastly, 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.”
Which clubs did Defoe play for?
Defoe managed 163 goals and 29 assists from 496 Premier League appearances. The striker’s best spell was at Tottenham, where he ranked up 143 goals and 32 assists in 362 appearances across all competitions. His exploits helped the London club win the 2008 EFL Cup.
Defoe also played for West Ham United, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Toronto throughout his career, and won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers last season.
On the international scene, he scored 20 times in 57 games for England and found the back of the net in the 2010 World Cup against Slovenia.
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