Jermain Defoe, 39, terminated his contract with the Rangers in January, where he spent the last three years. Sunderland immediately stepped up to poach the striker, who played for the club from 2015 to 2017, and everyone has only fond memories.
Return to the Premier League
True, negotiations could have broken down: manager Lee Johnson doubted that the team needed a veteran, but everything was resolved when Sunderland flew 0-6 to Bolton on Saturday, and the coach was fired.
This is a reference to Michael Jordan’s famous laconic press release. At the last moment, Sunderland signed Defoe, although he had other options: Oxford, Ispwich and another of the Englishman’s former club, Charlton. But all was cleared up when Sunderland released a document on his behalf: “The following statement was made by Jermain Defoe in response to questions about his future career: ‘I’m back.’ This is a reference to the famous press release of Michael Jordan, who returned to basketball in 1995 after a year and a half break. A fax came to the NBA office with just two words – “I’m back.”
Defoe played in the Premier League for many years. He even played for many teams like Tottenham, Sunderland, etc. There were moments when Defoe’s goal was very important and gave exactly three points to his side. At the same time, Defoe’s career in Premier League was wonderful. The moments to cherish, Defoe left the Premier League on a high note. It’s believed that Defoe will do everything to save Sunderland a second time.
Defoe will help Sunderland for sure
The return of Defoe, of course, is not so legendary, but also impressive: the striker returns to an important club for himself before the end of the season to help him get out of the third league. During the breakup, Sunderland managed to fly out of the Championship to League 1, and Defoe played for the first time outside of England, which led to the first title in his entire rich career – Jermain, along with Gerrard’s Rangers, won the Scottish Championship. There he scored 26 goals in 54 matches in three years.
After 29 rounds, Sunderland are third in the table, two points behind the leader. But Rotherham played two games less, and the second Wigan – as much as four. And yes, the club has not yet decided on a replacement for the fired coach. But Sunderland believe that Defoe will help the team. Here again there are references to Jordan – the return served as the last dance of the striker.
“I can’t stop smiling because this is a very special transition for me,” Defoe says. – I had so many messages with the message: “Remember, you said that you would return.” I have a special connection with the fans here. The club is in a fantastic position to move up. I want to be part of a special time here and I look forward to it.” Defoe scored 305 goals in 756 appearances, including 37 in 93 games for Sunderland. This story is close to completion, but it could have a magical ending.