Friday, 10th January, 2014
Tottenham Hotspur have allowed to Jermain Defoe his transfer to MLS side Toronto FC, the London club confirmed today.
Defoe's move had been in the pipeline for several weeks now, and things developed quickly yesterday when Toronto revealed a major announcement was due on Monday.
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The England striker will officially begin his stint from late February, though details on the length of his contract have not been revealed yet.
A statement on Spurs' website read: "We have reached agreement with Toronto FC for the transfer of Jermain Defoe to the MLS side, with effect from 28th February, 2014."
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Spurs manager Tim Sherwood, who only took over full-time duties from last December, was pleased for Defoe to be taking his desired step.
Sherwood said: "This is a great opportunity for Jermain and he feels it is one that he wishes to pursue. He has played a big part in the club for many years and we all know he will give his best until his last minute in a Spurs shirt."
And Defoe thanked Spurs for the same, adding: "I am grateful for the opportunity for myself and my family to experience living overseas and for me to play in the MLS with a contract that will take me to the age of 35.
"I have no doubt I shall be coming back as a fan supporting the team in the years to come too."
Defoe has had two spells at Spurs covering nine years, in which he has scored a total of 137 goals for the club in 355 games.
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