JERMAIN: I STILL FEEL BRAD PAIN

JERMAIN DEFOE says his relationship with Bradley Lowery has created a hole in his life that will never be filled – and admits he still gets upset over his young pal’s passing. Bournemouth striker Defoe won the hearts of the nation by visiting the terminally-ill child while with Sunderland.

Pictures of him lying on a bed next to the youngster went viral and the duo formed a friendship beyond the arena of football.

Defoe said: “I couldn’t believe the reaction. When I first met him and his mum Gemma, and they took a picture of me in the bed with him, that was it.

“Then I spoke to Sunderland and I asked if they could keep me in touch with him.

“Coming away from meeting him, I always had a good feeling inside because when I walked into the room he jumped up.

“Afterwards, I’d speak to his mum and she said he hadn’t moved all day. That he hadn’t eaten and then he would jump up as soon as he saw me.

“He would send messages before games. I’ve kept them all, they’re still on my phone.

“I had so many good memories. Such a special boy. I’m blessed that I knew him.

“I think about him every day. I have some pictures of us in my house. I still speak to Gemma and Carl, his mum and dad, a beautiful family. For the rest of my life, I’ll never forget him.

“Some days I’m all right, then some days I’ll think about it.

“There’s times when I’m at home and I still get upset about it because it’s still fresh.

“It was a tough time but our relationship was special. “Especially when you think of all the pain he went through – and he always cracked a smile. He was a special kid.”