Jermain Defoe has returned to Bournemouth on a three-year deal, and claims it was an easy decision to sign for the club once they showed their interest.
Defoe scored 18 goals in 29 matches for the Cherries during a loan spell when they were in third-tier of English football in 2000-01, at a time he was contracted to West Ham United. He has since gone on to represent Tottenham Hotspur (three times), Portsmouth (twice), FC Toronto, and Sunderland, where his 15 goals were not enough to prevent their relegation last season.
The 34-year-old had a clause in his contract at the Stadium of Light allowing him to move on a free transfer following their relegation, and he was determined to remain in the Premier League. Bournemouth wasted little time in expressing their interest in the England international, who has now signed a three-year deal at Dean Court worth a reported £65,000-per-week.
“It’s great to be back and I’m really looking forward to this challenge,” said Defoe. “When the opportunity came about to return I just knew it was the right one. It was an easy decision, joining a top team with a top manager. It’s a great place to be. The Bournemouth fans know that every time I pull the shirt on I will give 100 per cent, and the one thing I can guarantee is goals.”
Defoe becomes Eddie Howe’s second signing of the summer, following the £10million acquisition of Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. And he is set to return to Stamford Bridge with a cheque for twice that amount to take Nathan Ake, the England Under-21 international, back to the club following a successful loan spell last season in which he played 10 times.
