There was a moment during training at Sunderland’s blustery Academy of Light this week when an attacking drill appeared to have run its course. As the loose ball was blown out of a crowded penalty area, one player gave chase. He recovered it, steadied himself and smashed left footed into the bottom corner. He then punched the bitter North Sea air.
‘You have to celebrate,’ says Jermain Defoe. ‘I just wish the cameras had been here so I could watch it back.’
It is evident during a morning’s observation on the touchline of the practice pitch that Defoe, at 34, still loves what he does.