Wonder volley is just out of this World, says Defoe
LONDON: Sunderland’s Jermaine Defoe has revealed only scoring in the World Cup compares to his derby-day winner against Newcastle.
And he believes his wonder-goal finally put to bed any lingering doubts he had over his decision to make a Premier League return.
Defoe was in tears after his stunning 20m left-foot volley flew into Tim Krul’s net on Sunday – a strike which sealed Sunderland’s fifth straight victory over rivals Newcastle.
The former Tottenham favourite, who left Toronto for the Black Cats in January, has now bagged 253 career goals.
Among that tally was a strike for England against Slovenia which sent Fabio Capello’s side through to the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup.
And an emotional Defoe, 32, said: “In terms of how I felt when I scored the goal against Newcastle, I got that same feeling when I scored in the World Cup.
“I remember I missed the Finals in 2006, when I felt in my heart I should have gone – maybe not played – but I should have been in the squad.
“It hurt me when I didn’t go, but I went to the next one and when I got the goal again I was emotional. After the game I was really emotional.
“That was scoring in a World Cup for your country – and it was the same on Sunday.”
The strike which sunk Newcastle was just Defoe’s third in 12 games for Sunderland since he opted to cut short his stint in the Major League Soccer.
And he added: “I have said many times that I missed the Premier League and it’s because of games like this.
“Games like this are why I came back. Being at a club like this, they just love football.
“I was told before, that if I come here and work hard, score goals, they won’t ask for anything more.
“As a London boy, you don’t think you would be so far up north playing football, but it was a special day and I am so glad I am up here.”
Defoe was seen crying as he walked down the tunnel at halftime following his 45th-minute cracker. And he says that is proof he understands just what Sunderland – and the North-East derby – means to supporters.
Defoe, who scored only once in 18 North London clashes for Spurs, revealed: “You say things to the media because you have to.
“But I think since I have been here I have proved I understand how big the club are and how much the people here love football.
“As the whistle went for halftime and as I was walking down the tunnel, I thought, ‘I’m crying and I’m on the telly’ but I didn’t care.
“I just love scoring goals, the fans deserved it. It’s been really difficult for them in the last few weeks but they always come.
“It was the whole occasion really that got to me.”