'I will play my heart out for Tottenham fans until my last kick for the club' - Jermain Defoe agrees £8million deal to join Toronto

 
Giuseppe Muro10 January 2014

Tottenham today confirmed Jermain Defoe will join Major League Soccer side Toronto.

Spurs have reached an agreement with Toronto that means Defoe will remain at White Hart Lane until February 28. Defoe, 31, has reportedly agreed a £90,000-a-week deal with his new club and leaves Spurs for a fee of about £8million.

Defoe has been restricted to only three Premier League starts this season and his departure is likely to see Spurs entering the transfer market for another striker. It remains to be seen whether the move will affect Defoe’s chances of making the England squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil, although Roy Hodgson hinted earlier this week that he would still consider the striker for selection.

Defoe, who has signed a four-year deal with Toronto, said: “Everybody knows how much Spurs mean to me and I will play my heart out for the team and the fans until my last kick for the club. I have had a fantastic time here and the fans have always been amazing to me.

“I am grateful for the opportunity for myself and my family to experience living overseas and for me to play in the MLS with a contract that will take me to the age of 35. I have no doubt I shall be coming back as a fan supporting the team in the years to come, too.”

Defoe joined Spurs from West Ham in 2004 for £7m and scored 64 goals in 177 games before leaving to join Portsmouth in 2008. He was re-signed by Harry Redknapp a year later and scored 78 times in 185 appearances after returning to north London.

Spurs head coach Tim Sherwood said: “This is a great opportunity for Jermain and he feels it is one that he wishes to pursue.

“We have several attacking options within our squad for the remaining dozen or so games of the season after Jermain departs and we shall keep our options under review. We also have a goal threat from players in other areas of the pitch including having wide players and attacking midfielders who will enable us to vary our shape when required.”

Toronto, who are managed by former Tottenham defender Ryan Nelson, will hold a press conference with Defoe on Monday.

Spurs have also agreed an advertising and marketing deal with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment — Toronto’s owner — and a friendly with the club on July 23.

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