Sunderland fans have delivered their reaction after it was confirmed that Jermain Defoe has officially announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect. The former England international signed a six month deal at the Stadium of Light in January, but will now retire, a poignant end to a remarkable career.
The 39-year-old has made six appearances in the red and white of Sunderland since returning for 'one last dance' at the end of the January transfer window. The striker is yet to break his goal scoring duck since returning to Wearside two months ago, but the transfer was always about more than just his goals.
Defoe struck up a rapport with Sunderland supporters that very few before have been able to achieve and his influence off the pitch should not go unnoticed. After it was announced that the forward would retire, the Black Cats fans are largely disappointed with the news. Here is what some had to say on social media.
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@stustuy : Fair play to him, had a great career. Should never have re-signed him.
@GrahamBrack : That's a blow. He may not be the player he was but he still occupied the opponents' best defender most of the time.
@Ridderz86 : Happy retirement to an absolute footballing legend. On a selfish note it's left us short and Speakman needs questioning more than ever now for me.
@GiffordGeorge : Would have loved him to bow out with a happy ending for all parties. Sadly, that’s not to be but will always be a legend in my eyes. All the very best Jermain.
@tjbrown_ : Wish him all the best and will always be a club legend but this is a disasterclass from the club
@HazzaM2002 : Most pointless signing ever
@leech_tom : With 2 months of the season remaining. Strange. Wish him all the best, but this is embarrassing... why do I feel like we have been played.
@jonr1d : All the best to Jermain but what a waste of time that was on the clubs behalf
@willmartin19 : Can't pretend it doesn't sting that JD came back to us, played less than 10 games then retired, but my word what a career. Has to go down as one of the best pure strikers in recent English footballing history.
@KirstenReed71 : I may be being unreasonable here but I’m disappointed he couldn’t stay until the end of the season. Leaving us with one striker & so close to the end of the season, I expected more from JD. Hey ho, on we go!
