Just In: Tottenham striker retires from football

Jermain Defoe has announced his official retirement as a professional footballer at the age of 39.

The former Tottenham and England striker finished his football career at Sunderland after his signing in January,

Defoe posted on twitter saying it was ‘the right time to bow out’ after ‘an incredible journey and said football would always be in my blood’.

“After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me.

“I made my professional debut at 17 years old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey, and have met some amazing people in the game.

“Football will always be in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career that I’ve had. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.

“Thank you to all the fans from each club I’ve played for. The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with you all.

“Thank you also to my amazing team-mates, coaches and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.

“Lastly, I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God.’

“It’s a little bit strange’,’ he said. ‘A lot of emotions, it was a tough decision because growing up when it’s your dream to play at the top level and knowing at some stage you have to stop it’s unthinkable. To get to 39 it’s good going. I’m proud of what I’ve done but it hasn’t sunk in yet.

“I think it’s the right time. Over the years I asked players “did you know it was the right time to stop?” It’s something I’ve been thinking abot for a couple of weeks. I was in London over the weekend with family. I had a two day coversation with my mum. We spoke about the club and it was just an honest conversation.

“She asked me, “hows your body, how do you feel?” I was honest and thought it’s the right time for me to stop. I would never want to get into a situation where you long it out or block an opportunity for a youngster to come through.

“You’ve got to listen to your body. You’re going to get the aches and pains and the niggles. That’s normal. It’s a tough decision but I believe in my heart that it’s the right one.”

Defoe’s is the ninth highest scorer in Premier League, above Michael Owen and Spurs legend Teddy Sheringham – and just one-off Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler.

JERMAIN DEFOE’S CAREER STAT

West Ham

Apps: 105, Goals: 41

AFC Bournemouth (loan)

Apps: 31, Goals: 19

Tottenham

Apps 362, Goals: 143

Portsmouth

Apps: 36, Goals: 17

Toronto FC

Apps: 21, Goals: 12

Sunderland

Apps: 100, Goals: 37

AFC Bournemouth

Apps: 34, Goals: 4

Rangers

Apps: 74, Goals: 32

Trophies: Scottish Premiership 2020-21

England

Caps: 57, Goals: 20