The Sunderland striker is being heavily linked with a return to West Ham United this summer.
England’s Jermain Defoe in training
Ian Wright has shared what Jermain Defoe has told him about possible West Ham United return.
Defoe, who this week returned to the England fold after four years away, is being linked with a move to the Hammers this summer, with current employers Sunderland heading for the drop.
The 34-year-old began his professional career at Upton Park, but left for Tottenham Hotspur in January 2004.
His reputation among Hammers supporters was already tainted by his decision to hand in a transfer request the day after the club were relegated the previous year, and a return looked somewhat unlikely after his success at White Hart Lane.
But according to Wright, Defoe is keen to build bridges 13 years on.
“I’ve spoken to him in the past and he has said he’d love to be able to go back and right that wrong,” he told The Sun. “We’re talking about a young guy who was badly advised.
“The day after you go down, you hand in a transfer request. That is just terrible.
“He did that because he was advised to do that. His agent kicked West Ham when they were down. I bet nobody remembers the agent but everybody still remembers Jermain Defoe.
“There’s always going to be fans that never forgive you but you can only try and change the attitude of people. And if there’s anyone who can score goals to change the attitude of people, then I think it’s Defoe.”
Defoe, who has also appeared for Portsmouth and FC Toronto, has scored 58 per cent (14) of Sunderland’s Premier League goals this season.
And while the Londoner has two years left on his deal at the Stadium of Light, The Sun reports he could leave for nothing if the Mackems succumb to relegation.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe in action
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