‘Every time I saw him was a special feeling’

Reporter FORMER Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has opened up on his loving friendship with Bradley Lowery.

The brave cancer battler from Blackhall Colliery, who captured the hearts of the footballing world with his inspirational story, passed away on July 7.

Sunderland superfan Bradley led out his footballing heroes as mascot on several occasions, and struck up an instant and heartwarming bond with Defoe.

Speaking to the BBC’s Football Focus ahead of the start of the new season, Defoe – who now plays for Bournemouth – has spoken warmly of Bradley’s passion for life, football and their friendship.

He said: “Bradley loved his football, he loved me and I loved him. I could see it in his eyes, it was genuine.

“There was nothing I could give him apart from being a friend.

“Even towards the end when he was really struggling and he was in bed and could not really move, I would walk in and he would jump up.

“For me, everytime I saw him was a special feeling. My best friend – it was genuine.”

Bradley’s battle won the hearts of Jermain Defoe with mascot Bradley Lowery as he led out the Sunderland team last season the nation, and an online fundraising drive has already raised hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Sunderland paid a touching tribute to one of their biggest fans with a rousing minute’s applause ahead of their opening Championship fixture against Derby County.

A celebrity charity match celebrating Bradley’s life and fundraising for the Bradley Lowery Foundation is due to take place at Everton’s Goodison Park on September 3,

Defoe revealed he remains in contact with the Lowery family, and described walking out at Wembley with Bradley at his side as his favourite moment with the youngster.

He added: “The England moment was the best.

“I remember being down the tunnel and Bradley was looking for me, and I came down and gave him a cuddle. Joe Hart said to me ‘J you lead the team out.’ For Harty to do that, that was special.

“We walked out and just standing there, singing the national anthem with Brad on Mother’s Day, being back involved in the England squad and playing at Wembley and scoring – for me, it was one of the best moments of my career.”

Watch the full interview with Defoe on Football Focus, today at 12pm on BBC One.