Football
ESPN staff 9y

Jermain Defoe 'hurt' by Toronto FC chairman doubts, unsure of MLS future

Jermain Defoe has told The Guardian he was "hurt" by Toronto FC chairman Tim Leiweke's comments regarding his dedication to the club, and admits he is unsure over his MLS future.

Defoe, 32, signed for the Canadian side from Tottenham in January and scored 11 goals in his first 16 games for the club, but missed 14 games and is likely to undergo postseason groin surgery.

Leiweke -- the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns Toronto -- hinted last month that the striker is eager to make a swift return to the Premier League, but Defoe has rejected suggestions he is not working hard enough.

"When I saw the comments I was hurt," he said. "It's so far from the truth. Football and commitment? Come on, man, that's built into me. That stems from my family, my mum, my nan, my granddad. They worked hard their whole lives. I've always been that way. I've always dedicated myself to football and worked hard for the team and scored goals.

"It was hurtful. In England, at all the clubs I've played for, no one ever said that. I was at Tottenham 10 years and no manager or chairman ever said that. I've heard managers say I'm the most committed player they've ever had. I can say this because it's the truth. I don't drink. I take care of my body.

"That's why, at 32, I'm sharper than ever. My record here, even restricted by injury, is good. I always want to play well and score goals. I had that same attitude on the playground. I always want that buzz of winning and scoring. Nothing gets close to it."

Defoe says he is enjoying life in the MLS but admits that the Premier League is always a draw to players, and is undecided where his future lies.

Asked about his plans for the off-season, he said: "I'll probably head back to London, see friends and family, get my injury sorted and rest. It feels like I've played two seasons on the spin. I signed for Toronto in January and my season had started in August [2013] with Spurs and I haven't stopped. Maybe that's why I've been getting these little injuries. My body needs to shut down and heal up.

"I can't say what's going to happen because I really don't know. But I like Toronto. It's a really nice city. And it's amazing when the sun's out. Obviously, the football's different. The Premier League is one of the best in the world. Even compared to La Liga and Serie A it's faster, and the tempo of the game is incredible.

"You always have to think quick and be sharp. In England every game is electric but the fans here are good and quite noisy. I've liked going to Seattle and New York and I've played against some good players. Even David Beckham said recently how much the league has improved. He played a big part in that -- along with Thierry [Henry]. It'll get even better."

While the striker is unsure over where he will be playing football in future, Defoe is confident that he has many years left at the top despite his recent injury troubles.

When questioned over how long he could continue for, he replied: "Eight years. It's about being dedicated and looking after your body. When I'm fit I feel so sharp. As you get older you feel stronger because you know your body. You know the days when you need to train or rest.

"It does scare me, the thought of finishing. I think about it but I still feel good. I remember Gary Neville saying that, after one game, he asked himself: 'Can I still do it at this level?' He's such an honest player, who achieved so much, he decided to finish.

"I will know when that day comes for me and I'll be sad. I'll miss it so much. It'll be weird to wake up in the morning and not go training or stick the ball in the back of the net. When I finish maybe I'll play Sunday league -- go back to east London and find me a Sunday league team."

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