Jermain Defoe says Bournemouth's survival was 'never in doubt'
Monday 7 May 2018 15:18, UK
Jermain Defoe says it is 'fantastic' for Bournemouth to have secured a fourth consecutive season in the Premier League.
And Defoe says the quality in the squad is such that the Cherries have possibly made harder work of survival than they should have done.
Eddie Howe's squad ensured they will be in the Premier League next season with a 1-0 win over Swansea on Saturday.
And, having spent time on loan at Bournemouth when they were in what is now League One early on in his career, Defoe can appreciate how far they have come.
"I think it is a massive, massive achievement," the 35-year-old forward told Sky Sports.
"My first time at Bournemouth, when I was there on loan from West Ham, you never could have imagined it, to be honest. To achieve what we have achieved is just fantastic.
"To be fair, it was never in doubt. There is so much quality in the dressing room, we should not even be celebrating staying up.
"It was always going to happen because of the quality and the work ethic the manager has got
"For me it has been a stop-start season and, as a whole, collectively as a group of players, we probably could have done a bit better, because we put a lot pressure on ourselves.
"The lads had a fantastic year last year (ninth) and hopefully next season we will kick on again."
Defoe's thoughts can now stray towards the World Cup in Russia this summer and, whether or not he makes Gareth Southgate's England squad, he is hopeful they can have a decent tournament.
"Of course I want to go," said Defoe, who has 57 England caps to his name. "When you have had that experience of playing in a World Cup, that whole environment is the pinnacle.
"But, even if I am not involved, I just want to wish the boys the best. I want them to do well. They are a great bunch of lads and they have got a good chance."
Jermain Defoe spoke to us before giving out awards at a children's football tournament in Romford. The proceeds of the tournament go to the Jermain Defoe Foundation, helping underprivileged children in the Carribbean.
The Foundation also helps children in the UK with life-threatening illnesses to get treatment and recovery.
