Time proves the foe as Jermain finally bows out
JERMAIN DEFOE realised that even he could not defy his 39 years when he tumbled in the box pleading for a penalty against Crewe two weeks ago.
Chasing a through ball, he was half a yard ahead but was outpaced and outmuscled. The appeal was dismissed and it was effectively his only contribution for Sunderland to the League One game.
Time catches up even with legends with 22 years at the top, 57 England caps and 305 senior goals.
At his peak, Defoe was up there with the best, a wriggling pest of a striker with an infectious enthusiasm and energy.
The last chapter, his second coming at the Black Cats, fell flat – an emotional signing by the board to re-energise Wearside fans that boss Lee Johnson, above, did not want… and may have been a factor in his sacking.
What came before that was brilliant, even helping Rangers to the SPL title last season while also offering coaching help to Steven Gerrard.
Defoe made his debut in 1999 aged 17 and played his last 16 minutes off the bench on Saturday in a 0-0 draw against Lincoln.
He said: “I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey and met some amazing people in the game.
“Football will always be in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career that I’ve had. I look forward to spending quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.
“The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten.”
Defoe’s 163 Premier League goals rank him ninth in top-flight history ahead of Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Teddy Sheringham.
Harry Redknapp gave him his break at West Ham – 41 goals and 105 games – before a controversial switch to Tottenham, where he spent almost nine years over two spells. Sunderland brought him back from Toronto and he was a big hit, keeping them in the Premier League. His greatest goal? Possibly the volley from outside the box in theWear-Tyne derby which dipped viciously past Tim Krul.
His England career included 20 goals and three caps at the 2010 World Cup, the last being in 2017.
Off the pitch, Defoe struck up a bond with young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery as he fought a rare type of cancer, and he has continued to back the foundation set up in his name.
Defoe said: “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.”