Jermain Defoe : The Streets Would Never Forget

Jermain Defoe is an English footballer and I believe many of you may know him. Even if you don't it isn't too big of a deal. But prime Defoe was a different gravy. He hung up his boots recently at the age of 39. Marking the end of a prolonged journey as pro footballer for 22 years. He has played for different clubs. And his most notable contributions were at Tottenham and Sunderland. In the years he's played for Sunderland he has been a sleeping giant. Being a menace for all the big team defenders. That and a cancer killed kid called Bradley Lowry was one of the most common two reasons why Jermain Defoe would be known to many people.

There is a title of OBE following his name. And there is a good reason to it actually. He has a foundation that works for underprivileged children. We all know Marcus Rashford also got an OBE for something similar, if not entirely identical. Sunderland are currently playing 3rd tier football. After Defoe's initial spell at Sunderland he went to rangers, during their time of Steven Gerrard. As Gerrard left for Aston Villa earlier this year, Defoe moved back to the stadium of light. Where he may have planned a retirement long overdue. It's not like Defoe's retirement was forced by something from the outside. It's Defoe himself realizing that his playing days are over. And he isn't that much of a help on the pitch for his team. So hanging up his boots was a wise decision. Defoe announced his retirement on social media with a reminisce regarding his mother, stating that it was her who gave him the inspiration to become what he is today. And he assured fans and people alike that this was a decision well thought after. I speaked about Bradley Lowry earlier. This child was diagnosed by cancer. This child and Defoe had a very unusual relationship. When Bradley was very young Defoe first came to know him. And Bradley liked him a lot. Since then ever Bradley Lowry has always been behind Jermain Defoe whether it's sun or rain. Whether it was the national team or it was the club games, Bradley has been a mascot for Defoe all along. It's not that Defoe didn't do anything in return. He always acknowledged Bradley's support and he also supported the cancer caught child whenever it was necessary. Defoe would often go to the hospital to see little Bradley. Bradley passed away at the age of 6. That cancer never left him alone. Defoe also retired. The two ends of this lovely relationship are both gone now. Out of our sights. Jermain Defoe has always performed for his clubs. He has also scored goals when he was called up for the nationals too. He was good enough. Still he won't be heard of like the many others. And Bradley's presence at the stadium of light will also be missed.