Sunderland

Jermain Defoe pleased to have completed Sunderland move early

By Paul Gorst, Reporter | 02 February 2015

Jermain Defoe reveals his happiness to have avoided the "stressful" nature of a deadline-day transfer following his switch to Sunderland last month.

Jermain Defoe has revealed his happiness to have wrapped up his switch to Sunderland prior to the "stressful" nature of transfer deadline day.

The striker joined the Black Cats last month from FC Toronto, and the veteran forward is pleased to have completed the deal before the typically hectic final day of the window.

"I've been involved in a few of those [deadline-day moves] and it's quite stressful to be honest," he told Sky Sports News. "For me this time around though, I can just relax and watch it like anyone else.

"As a player, you just want the [transfer] done, so obviously to have it done early is great. Fortunately it's happened quickly, and I'm delighted that we got it done early, and I can relax [on deadline day] and concentrate on playing my football.

"When there's a good chance of a move happening and you just have to sit around and wait and hope the deal gets done. It's part and parcel of the game though. People always wonder why it takes so long, but that's just the way it is."

Defoe agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Sunderland upon his return to the Premier League.