Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 39.
Defoe returned to Sunderland in the January transfer window following his exit from Rangers and made seven League One appearances for the Black Cats, coming off the bench for the final 16 minutes of his side's 0-0 draw with Lincoln City last Saturday.
Despite only returning to the Stadium of Light over the winter, the ex-England striker has now confirmed that he is hanging up his boots after a senior career spanning over two decades.
"After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It's been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me," Defoe said in a statement on social media.
"I made my professional debut at 17 years old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey and have met some amazing people in the game.
"Football will always remain in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career that I've had. I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.
"Thank you to all the fans from each club I've played for. The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with you all. Thank you also to my amazing team-mates, coaches, and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.
"Lastly, I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old, and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God."
— Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) March 24, 2022
Defoe retires with 163 goals and 29 assists to his name from 496 Premier League appearances, while his two separate stints at Spurs saw him rack up 143 goals and 32 assists in 362 appearances across all tournaments.
After rising through the youth ranks at Charlton Athletic, Defoe also represented West Ham United, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Toronto throughout his professional career, winning one EFL Cup and one Scottish Premiership title.
The striker also represented England on 57 occasions and scored 20 goals for the Three Lions, including one at the 2010 World Cup against Slovenia.
