Newcastle United defender, Kieran Trippier, has posted on his Instagram story ‘what a career’ after Sunderland striker, Jermain Defoe, announced his retirement from the game.
The 39-year-old posted on social media that he is calling an end to his 22-year career in the game – from starting off at West United to finishing at Sunderland.
Defoe would have enjoyed his best moments in Tottenham colours, as well as during his stint at Rangers where he lifted the Scottish Premiership title.
After leaving Ibrox, he made a recent return to the Stadium of Light where he was hoping for a fairytale ending, but he has brought that to an immediate end.
Nonetheless, Newcastle right-back Trippier, who would have come up against Defoe on many occasions, sent this message to the former England man on his IG story.
“What a career,” said Trippier. “Enjoy retirement bro.”
Newcastle fans might not like to hear it, but that volley in the Tyne-Wear derby will live long in the memory of Sunderland supporters.
It’s what elevated Defoe’s status with the Black Cats, although, he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet upon his return to the club as they battle trying to get out of League One.
Nonetheless, not many players can stand tall and tell their grandkids that they represented England on the big stage, as well as score an incredible 162 Premier League goals.
That puts Defoe ninth on the all-time list with Robbie Fowler, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero, Andy Cole, Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer the only players ahead of him since 1992.
That’s some feat from the Englishman, who has recently done punditry work, so that might be the next step of his career.
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