MX23RW : Wednesday, March 12 07:36:50| >> :120:24769:24769:

Jermain Defoe: Toronto is a "great opportunity"

Jermain Defoe admits that he could not turn down the "great opportunity" to join MLS side Toronto, despite how hard it is for him to leave Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has said that he believes his move to MLS side Toronto is a "great opportunity" in his career.

The England international, who has scored 143 goals in two spells at White Hart Lane, had his move to Canada confirmed on Friday.

The 31-year-old admits that he is upset to be leaving Tottenham after a long spell at the club, but admitted that he could not turn down the new challenge in the MLS.

"I was there nine years so you can imagine what it's like. I think everyone knows how I feel about Tottenham," Defoe told Sky Sports News. "I have had a special relationship with the fans over the years but it's football and players move on.

"I have had a special relationship with the fans over the years but it's football and players move on. At the age of 31 it is a great opportunity for me and my family. I've been through some things with my family over the last few years and sometimes it is nice to have a change.

"I only had a year left on my contract at Tottenham. If you have a year left and someone comes in and offers you four, you have to think about it and consider your options. It's as simple as that."

Defoe will leave Spurs at the end of February.

ID:129922: cacheID:129922:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2194:
Written by
Sam Hughes
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jermain Defoe of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace on January 11, 2014
Read Next:
Sherwood saddened by Defoe exit
>
Read more about Jermain Defoe Football
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool29217169274270
2Arsenal281510352242855
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest28156745331251
4Chelsea28147753361749
5Manchester CityMan City28145953381547
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2814594738947
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton28121064640646
8Aston Villa2912984145-445
9Bournemouth28128847341344
10Fulham2811984138342
11Crystal Palace2810993633339
12Brentford28115124844438
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs281041455411434
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd2897123440-634
15Everton2871293135-433
16West Ham UnitedWest Ham2896133248-1633
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2865173857-1923
18Ipswich TownIpswich2838172658-3217
19Leicester CityLeicester2845192562-3717
20Southampton2823232068-489


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!