Sunderland struck gold with 2014 transfer both on and off the pitch: View…

Jermain Defoe signed for Sunderland in 2014 from MLS club Toronto – a move that would see him leave a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.

Whilst Defoe’s time at the Stadium of Light will rightfully be remembered for his goalscoring numbers, the striker also formed a friendship with young Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery, who had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, neuroblastoma.

 

The Englishman has since claimed that Lowery had become his “best friend” since asking for Defoe whilst struggling in hospital – a request the former England international fulfilled as he struck up a close relationship with the young fan and remained by his side throughout his illness. Lowery sadly passed away in 2017, aged 6.

Whilst his on-pitch performances granted enough love from the Black Cats support already, the connection that Defoe had with Lowery, as well as his other community work, meant the forward was really taken to Wearside hearts.

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