Definitely confirmed he is a free agent this summer (by the man himself): http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...ds-jermain-defoe-preparing-emotional-13010800 But interesting reading his comments - lots of ifs and buts so, with a little luck, the club may offer him a good contract - he won't be guaranteed games in the PL at the top sides (or even at the likes of West Ham?) so why not stay with us - come on Jermaine - give us another year... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Jermain Defoe is set to leave Wearside this summer, with this weekend's game against Swansea City set to be his final home game Jermain Defoe wants to go out on a high this weekend in what he admits will be an emotional day final game at the Stadium of Light. Defoe picked up the Supporters’ Player of the Year award this week after winning the accolade for a second successive season, and says he has a ‘special relationship’ with the supporters on Wearside. But his 15 goals this term have not been enough to spare Sunderland relegation, and that descent into the Championship triggers a clause in Defoe’s contract which allows him to leave for nothing this summer - with the 34-year-old keen to prolong his top-flight career as long as possible. Sunderland face Swansea City in the final home game of the season on Saturday and that will be Defoe’s farewell appearance at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland rounding off their season with away trips to Arsenal and Chelsea. “We don’t know exactly what is going on but I think it’s well documented, I’m a free agent [this summer],” said Defoe. please log in to view this image Jermain Defoe of Sunderland (Photo: Getty Images Europe) “It is a difficult situation, it is going to be emotional. “You never know in football, I remember when I left Tottenham, it was hard because of the relationship I had with the fans, it was a decision I had to make for football reasons. I went and I came back. “For the next three games I’m going to give everything I can and if it turns out to be my last home game, I want to show the fans that I appreciate them, every sung they’ve song, every minute they’ve supported the team, all the fans.” Defoe was presented with his Player of the Year award at the Stadium of Light, with the Young Player of the Year award going to rising star goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Sunderland AFC Transfers: Turkish side the latest to register an interest in Jermain Defoe Defoe said: “It’s special, voted by the fans, everyone knows I have a special relationship with them. “I want to thank them for voting for me. “From Day One at this football club, all I’ve wanted to do is score goals and give something back. “I feel like I’ve done that. Who will referee Sunderland vs Swansea City at the Stadium of Light this weekend? “There are mixed feelings, I’m happy I won but the season didn’t work out how I’d hope.” The former Spurs and West Ham man will be remembered fondly on Wearside when he moves on, and Defoe says he will be a regular visitor to the club even after he has hung up his boots. please log in to view this image Sunderland's Jermain Defoe (centre) celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Hull (Photo: PA) He said: “Even when I’ve stopped playing I’d always like to come back and watch the games, help the club in any way I can really, to give something back the younger lads coming through. “It is a special place, the fans are unbelievable. 'Antonio Conte couldn't keep Sunderland up,' insists Harry Redknapp “Every player who plays for this club says the same, it will be hard to go somewhere else and find fans like this.” Defoe ended his ten-game goal drought last Saturday when he scored in injury-time to seal a 2-0 win at Hull City. The England striker’s celebrations were muted, with Defoe saying that was partly because of the circumstances following relegation. He said: “It [the muted celebration] was for many reasons. “Obviously we didn’t manage to stay up this year, I’m happy I got the goal but you want it to mean something, which is probably why I was a little subdued. please log in to view this image Jermain Defoe of Sunderland beats his marker to score (Photo: Sunderland AFC) “I was tired as well, it has been a long season. I was still disappointed [about relegation].” Sunderland’s win at Hull came too late for their relegation battle but it did at least show that the Black Cats are keen to finish as strongly as possible. Defoe said: “It doesn’t matter how you look at it, it is three games that you want to try and win, it is a case of trying to give something back to the fans and giving them something to cheer about. “Last home game of the season, against a Swansea side that are desperate for points, it is important.”
Sounds like he's really fallen for the club (fans). Will be gutted to see him go but bear no ill feelings. Imagine if he stayed, though, how many goals would he get in that league?
Fair play to the bloke, don't blame him for leaving, he's clearly Premier League quality and he hasn't got much longer left to play at that level.
I wish him well and hope he gets in the England squad for the World Cup next year. When we signed him I thought we were signing an over-the-hill player who fancied a final pay day, and someone who'd be flown in from London every day. Boy, was I wrong. He is a model professional who deserves everything positive that is written about him
Whoever agreed to that clause wants shot. Yes I agree with a relegation clause but it should have had a monetary value attached to it £5m for instance
We'll he can't love the club as much as people think if he's effectively cost us millions. Multiple teams would have met a £5m clause. Why insist on leaving for free
The contract was signed before he'd kicked a ball so no sure where the fans come into it (unless he signed a new contract which I completely missed). I agree, some teams would have paid say £5m for him but from his point of view he'd have more suitors leaving for free - benefits him more than anyone.
He signed a new contract last summer. Still don't blame him for wanting guaranteed prem football though.
He may not leave - a new challenge ahead for him and he'd be buzzing in that league , settled and regularly playing , confident, hero worshipped , regularly scoring and on Southgates radar - stay till Christmas at least -
He will go. I can't see why he would stay to be honest. Yes, he might love the fans, but that alone won't be enough for him. A Premier league club offering him more money will turn him.
The one thing about it is that he somehow got picked for England despite playing for us so Southgate clearly knows that there are more than four teams in England and will know how good he is even if he is in the Championship. He's still going though I have no doubt about that and I don't blame him one bit.
Might go against the bone but I think we should let him go. He's a kind of striker you struggle to find a place for in modern formation and tactics. We need a rebuild, and that rebuild consists of developing an identity and style of play which fits in with the modern game. Would be difficult to achieve this playing him every week.
I think he'll go to Bournemouth. Sam isn't his biggest fan. Benched him a lot of the time for us and favored Fletcher. Don't think he needs or wants Defoe at Palace.
