Former England striker Defoe retires

Jermain Defoe - Sunderland's ex-England, Tottenham & West Ham striker retires

Defoe, who re-joined the Black Cats in February, scored 304 goals in 762 career club games and added 20 goals in 57 England appearances.

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He also spent time at Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Major League Soccer club Toronto during his 22-year career, Qazet.az reports.

"It's been a really tough decision," Defoe wrote in a statement.

“I made my professional debut at 17-years-old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out.”