England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has thanked everyone for sending out messages of support after the death of his father.
The 29-year-old had to return to England from the European Championships when he was informed that his father, Jimmy Defoe, had lost his life to cancer. The Football Association have confirmed that the forward will return to the team eventually.
That means the England manager Roy Hodgson will not have to bring a replacement for the Spurs striker. However, it is not yet certain if Defoe will be returning to the already depleted side for their opening fixture against France.
Defoe revealed he was extremely grateful for the support from his family, friends, his teammates, the manager and the FA. He went on to thank everyone on his official Twitter account, including the doctors and nurses, who had looked after him during the
tough time.
Defoe revealed on his Twitter:
“I want to thank the fans, my family and friends, the England boys, the FA and the manager for their support. I can't tell you how much it means to me.”
He continued:
“I love you all may God bless you. A special thank you to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Royal-95-c40387 Marsden's doctors & nurses who looked after my dad v.special people.”
Meanwhile club and country have both offered condolences for the striker’s loss and urged the media to respect the family’s privacy. They also confirmed that Defoe had currently left the team to be with his family in this difficult time and it was not yet
certain when he would rejoin the squad.
FA released a statement:
“England striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749 Euro squad in due course. There will be no replacement player called in.
We would ask all media to respect Jermain and his family's privacy at this difficult time.”
Since Manchester United striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899.
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