MX23RW : Friday, April 19 14:56:56| >> :120:4503:4503:

Jermain Defoe: "This is a fresh start"

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Jermain Defoe describes his move to Toronto FC as a "fresh start".

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Jermain Defoe has described his move to Toronto FC as a "fresh start".

The 31-year-old, who scored twice on his debut for the Major League Soccer outfit, made 364 first-team appearances during two spells at White Hart Lane.

However, he left the London club last month in a bid to strengthen his chances of winning a place in England's World Cup squad, having started just three Premier League matches this season.

"[USA midfielder] Michael Bradley took the same decision," said Defoe. "He was at Roma, but he wasn't playing much and he wants to play.

"At the end of the day, you need to be playing regularly and playing well to get into a World Cup squad. You can't be at a club where you're not playing.

"Playing for a big club like Tottenham for all those years - nine years in total - is something I'm proud of, but in life opportunities come along that you sometimes have to seize. This is a fresh start for me."

Defoe will make his home debut for Toronto later today when the Canadian franchise play host to DC United.

ID:145561: cacheID:145561:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2243:
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:
Defoe not giving up on World Cup spot
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


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!