Jermain Defoe signs for Sunderland until 2019 – Twitter reacts

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Jermain Defoe has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Sunderland until 2019. The 33-year-old former England striker proved integral as the Black Cats avoided relegation from the Premier League last season, and the club’s fans will undoubtedly be delighted that he is set to stay for another three years.

With 15 strikes to his name, Defoe was responsible for scoring 34% of Sunderland’s Premier League goals last season. The Englishman averaged more shots at goal (2.6 per game) than any of his Black Cats team-mates, converting 17.5% of his total attempts. Meanwhile, he weighed in with a single assist.

There could, of course, be concerns regarding Defoe’s age. At 33, he is hardly blessed with youth. Nonetheless, if he can continue scoring at the same rate as last season, there will be no complaints from the Sunderland faithful. The Englishman will be 36 when his new contract expires, which means he is likely to end his career in the North of England.

Manager Sam 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.”

With Defoe, we are talking about a veteran centre-forward who is unlucky not to be playing at the Euros this summer – such has been the impressive nature of his performances this term. If Sunderland harbour aspirations of avoiding a relegation battle, for the first time in years, next season, then his contribution up front will be pivotal.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Jermain Defoe’s new Sunderland deal:

To be honest, almost everyone was absolutely delighted to hear the news:

https://twitter.com/l_ukescott/status/740985766977937408

https://twitter.com/SAFCBear/status/740966729212416000

https://twitter.com/Skullyhuman/status/740964772456337409

https://twitter.com/MJTowers95/status/740963473232961536

https://twitter.com/smithharryh/status/740960943908245504

https://twitter.com/NickL_1989/status/740956881468968960

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