Tottenham Hotspur striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jermain-Defoe-c18359 recently spoke about his personal trials and how football helped him overcome his problems and gain a new found perspective on life.
The http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 international went through a tragic summer where he first lost his father to cancer, and then his cousin to a freak swimming pool accident.
The player had to deal with both incidents over a very short space of time, and has said that he is the better man for it. Defoe said in an interview that had it not been for football, he would’ve not been as strong as he is right now.
The striker waits on news on whether he will be leading England’s strike line up in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Moldova-c2957, and insists that he is confident about his chances. However, if not selected, Defoe won’t complain or fret over the decision
of England boss Roy Hodgson.
The 29-year old will be competing with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Daniel-Sturridge-c10076 for a spot in the starting 11 and is hopeful of his chances. However, the Spurs man says that the problems he encountered over the summer have made him a stronger person and given
him new perspective on life.
The deaths of his father and cousin have made him realise that there are far more important things in life than football.
"It has been difficult for me and my family," Defoe said. "It has been hard, especially with my dad. From day one, when he was diagnosed, I was with him from the first meeting in the hospital.”
"I am only 29 and to deal with that was quite difficult. I had to tell dad my 'it will be okay and be positive, keep praying and have faith'.”
"It makes you think about your life. I have got a big family and we have always been close. It does make you think about life and what is important. To be honest, the only time I am really at peace is when I am training and playing."
The player then talked about his season so far with Tottenham and added that he is happy with the amount of football time he has been getting under new manager Andre Villas-Boas lately.
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