Thursday 9 June 2016 17:54, UK
Striker Jermain Defoe has signed a contract extension with Sunderland.
Defoe, who scored 18 goals in all competitions last season, has extended his current deal by another year, keeping him at the Stadium of Light until 2019.
The 33-year-old joined Sunderland from MLS side Toronto FC in 2014 in a swap deal with Jozy Altidore and has since gone on to score 22 goals in 53 appearances.
The striker often found himself playing on the right-hand side under former Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat and admitted he's relishing every moment of playing for current boss Sam Allardyce.
"I'm delighted because from day one when I walked into the football club, I've received nothing but love from people inside the club, the staff, the players and the special fans that are here," Defoe told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It's well documented that at the beginning of the season I wasn't playing in my favourite position and it was difficult, but at the end of the day you've got to do a job for the team.
"But Sam has come in and played me [up front] and that given me a lot of confidence. I've got a good relationship with Sam he's a top man and away from football you can knock on his door and speak to him about anything which is always important ad I'm delighted."
Defoe was voted Supporters' Player of the Year last month and finished as the third highest English goal-scorer in the 2015-16 Premier League season, behind Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.
Allardyce said: "Jermain is one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team.
"He proved that beyond doubt last season by scoring 15 league goals, he is in fantastic physical condition and we are very pleased that we have been able to extend his stay with us."
News of Defoe's contract extension comes a day after Patrick van Aanholt signing a new deal with the club. Van Aanholt has made 69 appearances since joining Sunderland from Chelsea two years ago.
