Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Graeme Young

Jermain Defoe overcome with Rangers emotion on live radio as Joe Aribo sends 'uncle' a touching message

Overwhelmed Jermain Defoe has addressed a fresh love letter to Rangers as he struggled to put into words his adoration for Ibrox on live radio.

The 39-year-old was a fan favourite in Glasgow and supporters were sorry to see the striker go after a successful three years.

And Defoe needed a moment to pause, as he was left emotional while discussing his time with Rangers and the friendships he forged.

The veteran forward, who earned the affectionate nickname 'uncle' form his team-mates, also shared a touching message from close pal Joe Aribo.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "When you get to the back end of your career, you have to enjoy every moment, don't waste a training session, just enjoy it, it goes quick.

"I just wanted to buy into the culture, it was great."

And it was Rangers legend Ally McCoist 's prompt over Defoe's professionalism that set the former England striker off.

He added: "My team-mates, oh mate, I get emotional... (takes a pause)

"The boys, they are unbelievable, you sign for a club, obviously I came with a big reputation, I was so desperate to go and win a league title, the boys were fantastic.

"They weren't like 'ah JD', they were just brilliant.

"My team-mates were just special, especially the young lads, I got messages from some of the boys, they call me uncle, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, they call me uncle.

"I would come in the gym, and the lads would be on their phones, they would be like 'uncle's coming'.

"Just that appreciation from the boys, i think it was Joe Aribo who messaged me the other day, a nice message and said: 'honour to play with you uncle, I feel so blessed I helped you, I contributed in helping you get that league title."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.