Defoe: “I’m not to blame for Pompey exit”

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Jermain Defoe has claimed that Spurs have reached their ‘make-or-break point’ in the season, whilst trying to cool the tension between himself and the Portsmouth fans.

Spurs will face his former club, Portsmouth in an FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, before hosting rivals Arsenal as they continue their push for fourth place.

Tottenham are keen on both fronts, with silverware being deemed important as well as securing a place in next season’s Champions League.

And Defoe is more than aware of how important these two fixtures will be in shaping the rest of the season.

“The next two games will define the remainder of the season for my Tottenham side.”

Defoe will face the side he left in acrimonious circumstances 15 months ago, along with a clutch of Spurs players who recently plied their trades on the south coast.

“Portsmouth in particular will be tough. A lot of our players will have mixed feelings about playing them again, because of the divided loyalties and the situation the club is in.

“I have to say that I, too, wouldn’t be human if I didn’t still have feelings for Pompey.

“I was sold by them because of the perilous financial situation that the club was in. I had no choice in the matter.

“Yet you wouldn’t believe the number of abusive phone calls and messages I got from Portsmouth fans, angry at the way they thought I was treating them. Some were very, very nasty indeed.

“I was shocked. I couldn’t believe it, not only because of the things they were saying, but also the fact they had animosity towards me over a situation that wasn’t of my making.

“The truth was that my departure from Fratton Park wasn’t up to me. Pompey had to cash in on me.”

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