TORONTO – Jermain Defoe called time on his glittering fifteen-year career as a trophyless competitive footballer on Monday, simultaneously announcing his retirement and signing with Toronto FC of the MLS.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker, who is famous for being nearly visible in a photograph of David Beckham, will be spending his post-football career as Toronto’s star player.
“Retiring from football is the hardest decision I’ve ever made but I just couldn’t keep going once I lost my killer instinct,” Defoe explained while making reference to the ruthless streak that saw him win the Castrol EDGE Performance of the Month Award in 2009.
Defoe is looking forward to life at the Toronto FC Old Age and Convalescence Institution, where he will be joining former footballers Robert Earnshaw and Ryan Nelsen.
“Maybe I’ll play another sport in my retirement,” said Defoe. “I’ve heard they play a game called soccer in Canada. Maybe I’ll give that a try. That or shuffleboard.”
