The Rangers striker was concerned the Colombian would feel unsettled at Ibrox after the exit of the winger this summer.
The Portuguese winger signed for Turkish top-flight side Genclerbirligi in July after a solid couple of years at Ibrox.
He was a creative and useful attacking talent, but it wasn’t his on the field ability that Defoe had concerns about, but his friendship with Rangers’ red hot striker.
They apparently had quite the rapport and it’s something Defoe has worked hard to help the 23-year-old with in the months since.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he explained: “I like to think I’m a good influence on him. We speak a lot and we’re close now that Daniel has gone.
“When I knew Daniel was going, I thought it might be difficult for Alfredo because they were close and it isn’t easy when you’re so young and a friend leaves.
“So you have to make the effort and I definitely feel like we’ve bonded. On the flight home from Switzerland, he said: ‘Bro, what seat are you in’? It was nice that he wanted to sit near me.”
The new bond is paying off
They may have a bond together off the pitch, but they rarely play together on it. Nonetheless, clearly both Defoe and Morelos are enjoying themselves at Rangers this season.
The veteran scored a hat-trick for the Gers today coming in for energetic Colombian, who had given his all against Young Boys in Switzerland on Thursday night.
That Gerrard can interchange between the pair is a huge benefit to Rangers. Defoe has already netted 12 goals this season while Morelos has 14.
Fans will likely be delighted that they get on so well away from football too.
Defoe has clearly gone the extra mile to keep Morelos settled at Ibrox. Having that kind of personality in the dressing room to guide young players through tricky situations is invaluable as they chase trophies.
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