Jermain Defoe has revealed that his mum is asking him the question that Sunderland fans dread ‘When is he going to retire’.
Sunderland turned down bids from West Ham and Crystal Palace for the 34-year-old during the January transfer window as they attempt to beat the drop.
Without the goals of the former England striker Sunderland would be adrift at the bottom of the table- without his goals last season they’d be playing this season in the Championship.
During the January transfer window Sunderland boss Davie Moyes was adamant that his star striker couldn’t be sold with Patrick van Aanholt sold to Crystal Palace to raise funds for incoming transfers.
Defoe was speaking to Sky Sports after collecting the North East Football Writers Player of the Year award for 2016.
Sunderland only paid a nominal fee to sign the striker from Toronto in January 2015 and have been rewarded with 33 goals in 70 Premier League games so far.
Fortunately for the Black Cats Defoe hasn’t given retirement any thought.