At the age of 39, Jermain Defoe has decided to retire from football.
After spending two-and-a-half seasons at the same club, former West Ham and Spurs forward Jermain Defoe has been playing for the Black Cats. His contract was due to end at the end of the season.
In 74 matches, Defoe scored 32 goals for Rangers, helping them win the Scottish title last season.
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After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It has been a difficult decision and I have discussed it with my family and those closest to me.
I made my professional debut at 17 years old, and I think it's time to bow out. I've met some amazing people in the game.
I look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward with this next chapter in my career.
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He paid tribute to his team-mates, coaches and staff at the teams he has played for before thanking his mother.
I would like to say thank you to my mother. You gave me a ball when I was two years old, and made me believe I could do it. I owe everything I have to you and God.
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After playing youth football for Senrab, Beckton-born Defoe decided to sign with West Ham in 1999 at the age of 16. He made his debut a year later.
During his time at Bournemouth, Defoe scored 19 goals in 31 appearances, including 10 consecutive league games.
He scored a total of 41 goals in 105 games for the club, but he was unable to save the Hammers from the drop after another double-digit goal return.
Less than 24 hours after West Ham were demoted, Defoe handed in a written transfer request, but stayed at the club.
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He won his first England cap a few months after joining Spurs.
After three-and-a-half seasons with Spurs, Defoe moved back to the north London club in the summer of 2010 and scored 17 goals in 36 games for Pompey.
After two spells at Spurs, Defoe moved abroad to join Toronto FC.
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His stay at the MLS club lasted only 11 months, with Defoe returning to England to join Sunderland. He spent two-and-a-half seasons on Wearside, before moving to Bournemouth and then to Rangers.
After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire. It has been a difficult decision and I have discussed it with my family and those closest to me.
I made my professional debut at 17 years old, and I think it's time to bow out. I've met some amazing people in the game.
Football will always be in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career that I have had. I will be spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.
I would like to thank the fans from each club I have played for. I will always have a special bond with you all and the love I have received throughout my career will never be forgotten.
I would like to thank my team-mates, coaches, and staff for being an important part of my career.
I want to say thank you to my mom. You gave me a ball when I was two years old, and made me believe I could do it. I owe everything I have to you and God.
More to come.
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