Bradley was my best friend... he loved me and I loved him
Defoe on special bond with tragic youngster
ENGLAND footballer Jermain Defoe has talked about the special feeling of love he shared with his “best friend” Bradley Lowery.
The striker struck up a close bond with the six-year-old football mascot when he played at Sunderland.
Recalling his friendship with Bradley, who lost his battle with rare cancer neuroblastoma last month, he said: “That story of Brad’s is just special, my best friend, it was genuine. He loved his football, he loved me, I loved him.
“There was nothing I could give him, apart from being a friend.
“I was on Facetime last night with his mum, dad and brother. It is nice to still be in touch.
“Even towards the end, when he was really struggling and couldn’t really move, I would walk into room, he was in bed and he’d just jump up. His mum was like, ‘He’s not moved all day.’ For me, it was a special feeling.”
Jermain, 34, was among mourners at Bradley’s funeral in Blackhall Colliery, Co Durham, where thousands of people wearing football shirts lined the streets. The star, who starts the new Premier League season with Bournemouth today, spoke of emotional moments he and Bradley shared, such as leading out England at Wembley for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in March. He told BBC’s Football Focus: “That was the best, even being down the tunnel. He was looking for me, like he does, then he came and gave me a cuddle. “Joe Hart [captain] said to me, ‘J, you walk the team out.’ That was special. “Just standing there, singing the national anthem with Brad on Mother’s Day, and being back involved in the England squad, playing at Wembley and scoring; for me, that was one of the best moments of my career.” Jermain is expected to lead the Cherries’ attack today against West Brom. He joined them on a free transfer in the summer after Sunderland’s relegation. ■ Full interview with Jermain is on Football Focus, BBC1, noon today.