Jermain Defoe, a former England striker, has announced his retirement from the game at the age of 39.
Defoe played in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, scoring 20 goals in 57 games for his country.
His career came to an end with a return to Sunderland, where he made his final appearance as a substitute in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Lincoln in Sky Bet League One.
“After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football,” he posted on Instagram.
“It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me.”
Defoe is the ninth highest scorer in Premier League history, having hit 162 goals in 496 appearances.
The well-travelled frontman began his career with West Ham. He had two spells with three clubs – Tottenham, Bournemouth and Sunderland – in addition to playing for Portsmouth, Major League Soccer side Toronto FC and Rangers.
Defoe, who scored 304 goals in 762 club games, was a member of the Tottenham team that won the League Cup in 2008 and won the Scottish Premiership with Rangers last season.
During the leadership of Sven-Goran Eriksson, he earned his England debut in a 1–0 defeat to Sweden in March 2004. In 2017, he earned his final cap in a 2-2 World Cup qualifying match with Scotland.
