At the end of a 22-year career, Jermaine Defoe announced today (Thursday) his retirement from football.
In an official statement issued by the former striker, he wrote: "It was a very difficult decision for me. I made my debut in 1999 when I was 17 and now I feel it is time to say goodbye."
The Englishman continued: "I had an extraordinary journey, I met amazing people. Football will always be in my blood and I feel proud when I look back on the career I had. Now I turn to friends and family before I think about the next episode."
❤️ pic.twitter.com/OoMsBmcQ9P
- Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) March 24, 2022
Defoe has been one of the most prominent pioneers in England for the past two decades.
Among other things, he starred in Tottenham, West Ham and Sunderland (his last team) and recorded a total of 762 appearances and 309 goals (of which in the Premier League: 496 appearances and 162 goals).
In the national team uniform he scored 20 goals in 57 appearances.
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