Tottenham’s Harry Kane has posted on his Instagram story that Jermain Defoe was a ‘top’ player after the Sunderland forward announced his retirement.
The 39-year-old, who enjoyed some of his best football in Tottenham colours, shared that he is bringing an end to his 22-year career, after recently playing for League One, Sunderland.
Defoe retires with 162 Premier League goals to his name, mainly in north London, as well as putting on the Three Lions shirt and enjoying title success at Rangers.
He ends his career ninth on the all-time top-scorers list in Premier League history – with the likes of Thierry Henry, Kane himself, Andy Cole, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer, to name a few, only ahead of him.
Nonetheless, when the news broke regarding Defoe bringing his goalscoring career to an end, this is what Kane posted on his IG story about the striker.
“Top striker,” said Kane. “Top bloke and someone who gave me some great advice early in my career, as well as his number 18 shirt. Happy retirement.”
Tottenham have had some top, top strikers during the Premier League era, with Kane top of the list, no doubt.
But Defoe probably comes in second, although, someone like Dimitar Berbatov would have something to say about that, even though he left Manchester United in unpopular circumstances.
Then there is former Republic of Ireland international, Robbie Keane, who had an iconic celebration every time he put the ball into the back of the net.
The one that perhaps caused the most controversy – depending on which side of the fence you were on – was probably Jurgen Klinsmann, who won’t be forgotten in north London for a long time yet.
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