Didn't realise it was only five years ago to the day, yesterday, (26/3/17) that Defoe started for England in a World Cup qualifier and scored, along with Vardy in a 2-0 win.
Sunderland boss Alex Neil reveals 'shock' of Jermain Defoe's retirement decision Jermain Defoe gave Sunderland no clue that he was preparing to retire, according to the Black Cats boss Alex Neil admits Jermain Defoe's retirement came as a 'shock' - saying the ex-England striker gave no indication that he preparing to hang up his boots when he trained earlier that day. Defoe announced last Thursday that he was calling time on his 23-year career, less than two months after rejoining Sunderland for a second stint on Wearside having left Scottish giants Rangers in January. The 39-year-old had signed a contract that ran until the end of the season but decided to retire with seven games of the League One campaign still remaining, having made just seven appearances - including only two starts - since his return to the club, and without scoring a goal. Neil says the news came out of the blue, with Defoe having trained on the day without giving any clue as to his decision. But Neil insists Defoe leaves with the club's best wishes, and says he has spoken to the former Spurs and West Ham man since his departure. "We wish him well," said Neil. READ MORE: Sunderland receive double injury boost as Alex Neil reveals two key men are nearing a return "I think it's difficult with somebody like Jermain, with the creer he has had and what he has done, you know as a player when you feel that it is time. And unfortunately for Jermain, he got to that point. "I'll be honest. It was a bit of a surprise, it was a shock. There weren't a lot of conversations prior to it, he trained that day, he trained well, he was fine, and the next minute we got word that he wanted to call it a day. "I have spoken to him since, but at the time I think it was a bit of a shock to everybody. It certainly wasn't something that was being spoken about regularly - maybe behind the scenes, but it wasn't a natural conversation that me and him had had leading up to it. "He's made his decision and we have to respect that, and we wish him all the best but we have to move on and try to win these remaining games." While Defoe's second spell at Sunderland was a damp squib, he will still be accorded hero status by fans following his previous two-and-a-half year stay at the club between January 2015 and the summer of 2017. He scored 34 Premier League goals in 87 games for Sunderland, helping the club avoid relegation under Dick Advocaat in 2015, and again under Sam Allardyce the following season. Defoe also scored a stunning goal in Sunderland's Wear-Tyne derby win in April 2015, and another in the 1-1 derby draw at St James' Park in March 2016. Off the field, Defoe also developed a strong bond with young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery as the six-year-old battled against a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer, before he passed away in the summer of 2017. Sunderland boss Alex Neil reveals 'shock' of Jermain Defoe's retirement decision - Chronicle Live
The rumour was on here days before that, so can't see how it was out in the open if he wasn't talking to people about it.
But the rumour said “with immediate effect”. Maybe he told the club at that point but not the press etc or asked the club not to publicise it immediately? Why is it that we, as fans, always seem to have to find something negative in everything.
I read it as he was in training the same day it was announced and Neil had no idea, which would be after the rumour appeared on here. But you are right could mean he was in training let the club know, the runour appeared on here and days later it was announced.
There’s so much we don’t know that’s the thing. As soon as the manager says something people might read multiple ways, the daggers are out for him. It’s so sad. Twitter is worse. Rife with “well we knew about it” bullshit. We heard rumours, probably started by people close to him. But he doesn’t have to tell the club and perhaps Neil doesn’t go for idle chit chat and gossip. Some of our “fans” annoy the life out of me as they seem desperate to stick the knife in at the first opportunity. Regardless of what it’s about or whether they know anything!!
You seem to be getting more from my comment than what was said. No knives or digs at the club the manager or anyone else. Just this whole thing with JD retiring was a bit "off" and Neil's comments on it were same from how I took them. Just my opinion which in reality is pretty unimportant and definitely without any real knowledge of the situation.
Sorry. Just seen a lot if it around here for years and on social media.and I sometimes bite before asking. Sorry for putting you in with “that” crowd
No worries mate. I know what you mean, seen it recently with the new owner being slagged off for not spending money etc. When it's obvious there is investment and a plan. Maybe we are not getting there as quick as we would like but for me there are more promising and positive signs than negative. If anything with JD I'm more gutted that he didn't get one last goal for us.
I didn’t want him to come back and he should never have come back. His legacy should have been the memories he left us with from his first spell with us
Screams to me of believing his own lies, kidding himself. He looked finished whenever he played, looked like he would take months to get up to speed. Playoffs if he even had a chance! He came telling everyone he felt great and could do it. Retired saying actually I can't and now he is telling everyone he could?
