Jermain Defoe has revealed that he still looks after himself very well despite hanging up his boots, insisting that he is still fit enough to play football professionally.
Defoe was a fan favourite at White Hart Lane, with the striker netting 143 goals at the club over his two spells.
He is considered by many to be one of the most natural finishers the country has produced in recent decades, scoring 305 career club goals while also netting 20 times for England in 57 appearances.
The 41-year-old began his foray into coaching a year and a half ago, joining the Under-18s coach at Hotspur Way, and he has made no secret of the fact that he has grand ambitions in management, expressing his desire to manage at the highest level. (Yahoo Sport).
Jermain Defoe still feels fit and able to play
However, Defoe insisted that he could still be a useful player at a decent level right now, pointing out that his second spell at Sunderland was unfortunately cut short by injury just a couple of years ago.
He told Football.London: “I could still play now. In 2022 I returned to Sunderland for a second spell. It was supposed to be a perfect farewell due to my bond with the club and fans.
“I went there to play and the Sunderland fans wanted to see me score goals, not get a hamstring injury. So I stopped.”
Defoe also shed light on the secret to his longevity, admitting that he was never one to party during his playing career.
When asked about players’ drinking habits, he responded: “What’s a hangover? I’ve never had one. I dedicated my whole life to football and I cut no corners.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Cristiano Ronaldo and a few others have shown that it is possible to continue playing well into your late thirties if players take care of themselves.
Defoe certainly did that, which is why he was able to play until 39, which is something I also expect Harry Kane to be able to do, given how professional he is.