Jermain Defoe seals ‘special’ return to Sunderland aged 39 on short-term deal

JERMAIN DEFOE has completed his return to Sunderland on a short-term deal until June.

The 39-year-old striker left Glasgow Rangers last month and had several clubs chasing his services.

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Oxford United were also keen, but it is the League One promotion-chasing Black Cats that have secured his signature.

Defoe said: “I can’t stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons.

“I’ve had so many messages saying, ‘remember when you said you would come back’, as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn’t ready to leave.

“I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted.

“I want to be a part of more special times here and I’m looking forward to it.”

The veteran spent two-and-a-half seasons at the Stadium of Light between 2015 and 2017.

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He scored 37 goals in 93 appearances for the club and has 305 goals in 756 club games throughout his career.

Defoe arrives back at Sunderland to a team currently without a manager.

Sunderland sacked Lee Johnson following the 6-0 defeat to Bolton on Saturday.

They are currently third in League One and just two points behind leaders Rotherham.

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