Jermain: I’ll bring goals to Bournemouth

JERMAIN Defoe has promised to bring goals to Bournemouth once again after completing his move back to the South Coast.

Yesterday the Cherries confirmed that the 34-year-old had joined the club from Sunderland on a free transfer after a clause in his contract allowing him to do so had been triggered by the Black Cats’ relegation from the top flight.

Defoe, who scored in a club record 10 consecutive league games for Bournemouth during a loan spell earlier in his career, admitted the decision to sign a three-year contract had been a straightforward one.

He said: “It’s great to be back and I’m really looking forward to this challenge. When the opportunity came about to return to Bournemouth, I knew it was the right one.

“It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager. It’s a great place to be.

“The Bournemouth fans know that every time I pull the shirt on, I will give 100%, and the one thing I can guarantee is goals.”

The Cherries, who finished in ninth place last season, have invested heavily in Defoe’s wage packet as they look to increase their goal-tally, and manager Eddie Howe – a former team-mate – was delighted to have got his man.

“We want to bring players here who can have a big impact on our continued rise and we believe Jermain fits that as a natural, proven goalscorer,” Howe said.

Defoe said goodbye to Black Cats fans in a message posted on Twitter in which he also referred to his friendship with terminally ill six-year-old Bradley Lowery.

He wrote: “I’d like to thank all the Sunderland fans for their support and everyone else involved with the football club. I had an amazing time with so many great memories.

“I’m going to miss so many people, from the canteen staff and the chef to the laundry girls and cleaners, who always made the boys smile no matter what.

“I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I have ever come across. The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle – a goal people still come up and talk to me about!!

“I want to wish everyone at Sunderland the best for the future.” Jermain Defoe