Jermain Defoe "grateful" for MLS opportunity with Toronto FC

Jermain Defoe has said that he feels "grateful" to be moving his career from Tottenham Hotspur to the MLS with Toronto FC.

The North London outfit confirmed this morning that the 31-year-old, who has struggled for first-team action at White Hart Lane this season, will join up with Toronto on February 28.

Defoe told the club's official website: "Everybody knows how much this club means to me and I will play my heart out for the team and the fans until my last kick for the club. I have had a fantastic time here and the fans have always been amazing to me.

"I am grateful for the opportunity for myself and my family to experience living overseas and for me to play in the MLS with a contract that will take me to the age of 35. I have no doubt I shall be coming back as a fan supporting the team in the years to come too."

Defoe, who has scored 78 goals since his return to Spurs in 2009, has opted to leave the club months before England travel to Brazil for the World Cup this summer.