Silverware is the currency of success in modern-day football and the Gers, under Steven Gerrard, have defied the odds by clinching the prestigious Premiership crown. The jubilation among the supporters is justified after decade-long despair. But Rangers centre-forward Jermain Defoe is not entirely satisfied despite winning his first-ever league title at the age of 38.
The former Tottenham Hotspur defender attended Darren Bent’s Boot Room on talkSPORT and discussed his future beyond the current campaign. His contract will expire this summer, but the veteran Englishman wants to stay at Ibrox for one more year to play in front of the returning fans.
“The big thing for me, this season has been so different with no fans in the stadium, if any player was thinking of finishing… to play a season without fans it’s like training games. It would be hard to finish with no fans. I’ll listen to my body as well and see how I feel.”
Told Defoe who is at the twilight of a glittering career of more than a couple of decades.
The former England international joined the Bears back in January 2019, initially on loan from Bournemouth before securing a permanent move last summer. He has fired in 29 goals in 66 appearances donning Rangers colours, however, his minutes have been limited this term with only three league starts so far.
Why Rangers Should Hand Defoe A Brief Extension
Gerrard has bolstered the squad with an array of major signings throughout his regime. He has strengthened the frontline significantly and roped in Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe to challenge and cover Alfredo Morelos. Defoe, as a result, has slipped down the pecking order as the fourth-choice ‘number 9’. Having said that, there won’t be any shortage of suitors with clubs like Bournemouth or Sunderland looking to snap him up in a short-term deal as claimed by his former teammate Paul Robinson.
Rangers centre-forward Defoe has maintained his fitness level in spite of being in the late thirties. His sharpness and poaching traits in front of goal remain as prolific as it was during his Spurs days. Moreover, the growing interest in Morelos might finally see the Light blues parting ways with the Colombian hitman and the persistent injury problems of Roofe highlight Defoe’s influence as a sporadic option. Although the Glasgow giants must bring in an able replacement of Morelos, the experience and expertise of the Three Lions star might play a key role with a place up for grabs in the Champions League main draw.
