Sunderland AFC striker Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect.
The 39-year-old returned to Wearside in January on a short-term deal and made seven appearances for the Black Cats during his second spell at the Stadium of Light.
Defoe ends an illustrious playing career that spanned over two decades and saw him score over 300 senior goals, including 162 in the Premier League - the ninth highest tally in the history of the competition.
The striker enjoyed an unforgettable first spell on Wearside and scored 37 times in 93 appearances, whilst forging an unforgettable bond with lifelong supporter and ‘best mate’ Bradley Lowery.
A League Cup winner during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, the 57-time England international was awarded an OBE for services to the Jermain Defoe Foundation in 2018 and helped Rangers secure an historic 55th league title in 2021.
Defoe also represented West Ham United, Portsmouth, Toronto FC and AFC Bournemouth during a glittering 22-year playing career.
Upon announcing his retirement, Defoe said: “This wasn’t an easy decision, but after discussing it at length with those closest to me, I feel now is the right time to bow out. I’ve experienced an incredible journey since making my debut at 16, meeting amazing people every step of the way, and it gives me immense pride to look back on the blessed career I’ve had. Returning to the Stadium of Light was truly special and playing in front of the Sunderland supporters one last time is something that I will cherish forever, so my gratitude is with Kyril and the many others that made it happen. I’ve seen first-hand that the club is rebuilding in the right ways and I’ve experienced a talented group of players improving every single day – there is so much potential within the squad and I firmly believe that Alex and the boys will go on to earn promotion this season. I look forward to supporting them from afar, as I look ahead to a new chapter on a different career path.”