Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe on Friday agreed to join Toronto FC for $9.85 million, becoming the Major League Soccer club’s second major signing of the week, following theacquisition of USA international Michael Bradley from AS Roma on Thursday night. The 31-year-old, who has played more than 250 games for Tottenham, will remain a Spurs player untilFeb. 28. Defoe’s MLS contract is for four years, and is worth $112,000 per week, according to the BBC.
“Everybody knows how much this club means to me, I will play my heart out until mylast kick,” the England international said, adding: “I have had a fantastic time here and the fans have always been amazing to me.” Defoe is fifth on Spurs all-time scoring list with142 goals in addition to being the club’s top scorer in Europe with 23 goals.
“Jermain has played a big part in the club for many years and we all know he will give his best until his lastminute in a Spurs shirt,” Spurs coach Tim Sherwood said. “We have several attacking options within our squad for the remaining dozen or so games of the season after Jermain departsand we shall keep our options under review.”
Toronto finished second to last in the MLS Eastern Conference last season. The Canadian club starts its new campaign away to the SeattleSounders on March 16.