The former England international recalls trying to force a move away from the club following the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League
Jermain Defoe has described his decision to hand in a transfer request at West Ham in 2003 as a "massive regret".
Defoe began his professional career at West Ham in 1999, and after a brief loan spell at Bournemouth, managed to establish himself as the club's first-choice centre forward.
Unfortunately, the Hammers began to slip down the Premier League table in 2002-03, and were ultimately relegated after a 2-2 draw against Birmingham on the final day of the season.