Jermaine Defoe "understands" stick from West Ham United fans

Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermaine Defoe has insisted that he is experienced enough to cope with abuse from West Ham United fans and understands their frustrations.

Defoe comes up against his former club later today and has revealed that he still cares about the Hammers and is pleased to see them back in the Premier League.

He told The Sun: "Even though I get stick, I always look out for West Ham's results and the way they are playing is effective so it's going to be a difficult game.

"I swear, even if I get stick it doesn't affect me and it doesn't affect the way I feel about the club, because I just think it's all part and parcel of being a footballer. You leave clubs and sometimes fans aren't going to be happy. I can understand that.

"I'm an East London boy and I was buzzing when they got promoted. They helped my development so I have to take it on the chin that I get a few boos."

Spurs go into today's London derby two points behind the Hammers and without a win in their last three matches.