The former Spurs and Portsmouth striker has returned to the Premier League with Sunderland, who are struggling in the bottom of the EPL just one point above the relegation place, after a disappointing stay with Toronto FC
Jermain Defoe said on Sunderland’s official website: “It is a great club and I’ve always enjoyed coming up here and playing against Sunderland because of the stadium and the supporters. It is a great place to play and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Sunderland’s manager Gus Poyet added: “I know all about his attributes and his qualities first-hand and his exceptional goal-scoring record speaks for itself. He has something different, something special.
“We know each other very well – he was very young when we played together and I was coming to the end of my career, so I know him from inside the pitch.
“When I returned to Spurs as a coach it was a great experience for me to work with him, so I am really looking forward to having him as my player now and for him to be part of our team.”
Defoe has scored 11 goals in 19 appearances in his debut season in Major League Soccer, in spite of the fact that to a great extent disappointed, and has welcomed the chance to return to the Premier League.
Many Premier League club like Hull City, Leicester City, QPR and Hull City had shown interest in signing the 32 year old and bringing him back to England, but Sunderland won the race as the signed the former England international.
The former Tottenham striker was training with north London club during the off season of MLS and will be starting against his former club where he played for 9 years in his debut game for Sunderland on Saturday.
Defoe after signing with Sunderland joined the record along with Wayne Bridge, becoming the most transferred English Premier League player, from the time transfer window came into existence having played earlier for Spurs (2 times) and Portsmouth.
Toronto has meanwhile come to a deal agreeing to sign in the out of form United States international Jozy Altidore back to Major League, with Vanney’s side promising to match the ex- Villareal player salary demands.
Gus Poyet added: “I would also like to thank Jozy as his begins his career at his new club. It is a fresh start for him and we wish him well.”