Defoe: My family are delighted I’ve joined Bournemouth

Jermain Defoe admits his family are delighted he made the switch back to Bournemouth after starting his career at the Cherries.

The prolific striker had a successful loan spell at Bournemouth as a teenager – netting 10 times in as many games.

And after deciding to leave Sunderland when the Black Cats suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, Defoe admits he’s not the only member of his family delighted with the move.

He said: “We always hoped at some point later on down the line that I would get an opportunity to represent this club again,” said Defoe, who has signed a three-year deal.

Photo credit: Getty Images

“It was a special time for me when I was young there. It’s just a dream for me really, to come back and hopefully do well here.

“They didn’t really have to sell the club to me. It’s a unique situation with me being at the club before. It’s where I made my name.

“It’s special for me and my family. My mum and dad came to every home game.

“When this opportunity came around, as soon as I looked at my mum I just knew. She was so excited.

“I’m joining a good team. For me it’s important to join up and try and improve the team. If I can add more goals then everyone is happy.”