Former England international Jermain Defoe returns to Sunderland AFC after almost five years. The English third division confirmed the transfer of the 39-year-old on Tuesday night, Defoe, who was last without a club, signed a working paper until the end of the season.
The attacker was already active for the “Black Cats” between January 2015 and July 2017, after relegation to the Championship he left the club for AFC Bournemouth. Until mid-January, Defoe was under contract with Glasgow Rangers, with whom he won the 55th Scottish championship title in the club’s history in 2021.
Defoe is still regarded as a goalkeeper despite his advanced footballing age: during his time at Rangers, the veteran made a total of 28 goals in 45 league games, while Sunderland has 34 goals and four assists in 87 competitive games on his balance sheet.
With 163 goals in 496 Premier League matches, the London native is in the top 10 of the all-time scorers list, only seven players have scored more often in league history. Defoe, who is also one of the top 20 record players in the Premier League with this number of games, should pave the way for third-placed Sunderland back into the championship.
Defoe on Sunderland move: ‘I can’t stop smiling’
“I can’t stop smiling because this is a special step for me for many reasons. […] I have a special bond with the fans here and the club are in a fantastic position to move up. I want to be part of special times here and I’m looking forward to it,” the club, who greeted the attacker with the words “One Last Dance”, quoted Defoe on his website.
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Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “We all know how highly regarded Jermain is in our fanbase and in the wider community. He’s returning at a crucial time in our season and we truly believe he can make a positive impact on and off the pitch. Jermain’s personality is contagious and his mindset is elitist. He’s a proven winner and goalscorer and we’re excited to have him back at the Stadium of Light.”
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