Jermain Defoe releases emotional statement after Sunderland exit confirmed please log in to view this image Defoe's departure was confirmed on Thursday afternoon Email 15:15Thursday 29 June 2017 1HAVE YOUR SAY Jermain Defoe has thanked Sunderland's 'amazing' fans after his switch to Bournemouth was confirmed. Defoe has signed a three year deal on the South Coast with manager Eddie Howe describing it as a 'huge moment' for the club. The player himself issued an emotional statement to the Sunderland support and said the highlights of his time on Wearside were his famous derby day volley against Newcastle and walking out with Bradley Lowery against Everton. He said: "I'd like to thank all the Sunderland fans for their support and everyone else involved with the football club. I had an amazing time with so many great memories. I'm going to miss so many people at the club from the canteen staff and the chef to the laundry girls and the cleaners who always made the boys smile no matter what. "I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I've ever come across. The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle - a goal people still come up and talk to me about!! "I want to wish everyone at Sunderland the best for the future. There's some talented players there and some great youngsters pushing through, so I can't wait to see you back in the Premier League. "I'm looking forward to my new challenge and can't wait to get started at AFC Bournemouth." Good luck fella. All the best.
During his time with us he earned his pay. And that's not something I've been able to say very often about any of our players over recent years. Wish him the very best of luck with a huge THANKS for his efforts.
Great to hear from him, he was the real deal in every sense, a true professional with the right attitude from first to last, good luck Jermain.
Good luck Jermain, but after today's other news you'll be a long time retired before we make it back to the Premier League, how sad is that.
To think there were doubts about him being a London lad and that. An absolute gem, I'd have loved him to go to a bigger club via he deserves it. All the best JD.
Make no mistake about it, a legend in our time. It's our privilege to be the ones to pass his story onto further generations.
A damned fine player and one of the few in the Premiership whom I worried about when playing against your lot. It's a shame he's not staying on to help you get back up but I hope that you make it anyway. Good luck for next season.
