“Most people see what is, and never see what can be” – Albert Einstein
Jermain Defoe has announced his exit from Spurs following a successful 2-year period as a coach in the club’s academy. With an unquestionable CV in football, Jermain became the most expensive teenager in Premier League history in 1999 when Charlton were paid £1,650,000 in transfer compensation from West Ham (this at a time when he was too young to even drive). He went on to score 162 Premier League goals, becoming the 9th most successful striker in the history of the Premier League. Capped 57 times for England he became a fan’s favourite for club and country, eventually retiring after a contract at Sunderland in his final year at the Stadium of Light following an astounding 22 years in the game.
Jermain said as follows in his exit statement: “Now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career”, referencing his achievements and his “UEFA A coaching status”. Jermain was also keen to pay homage to the coaches and staff that had helped him on his journey at Spurs.
The question on everyone’s lips is “where next for Jermain Defoe”? As he embarks on what will no doubt be a successful coaching and managerial career, his vision for the coming years is grounded in discipline and foresight. A visionary player and now a top level coach, one thing remains clear: the best is yet to come for Jermain Defoe.