Striker Defoe insists rift with manager Ramos is over
Jermaine Defoe joined Spurs from West Ham United in 2004
Sunday, 20, Jan 2008 08:27
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe says he has healed his rift with boss Juande Ramos.
The pair fell out a fortnight ago after a training session, with Ramos telling the striker he can leave White Hart Lane.
Ramos retracted his comments and made the 25-year-old captain in yesterday's 2-0 win over Sunderland.
Defoe, who has yet to sign a new contract, believes being made skipper signals an end to his row with Spaniard Ramos.
"It is a gesture that says that he wants me to stay at this club and for me that is special," Defoe said.
"I have always said I want to stay and the fans have been great with me. More importantly I love the boys, they are a great bunch of lads and I believe we can do something special.
"People say things when they are upset. The gaffer pulled me aside the next day and said he didn't mean it.
"He was honest with me and said 'I want you to stay at this football club, get goals and we can achieve something special here'."
Defoe has scored eight goals this season from 30 appearances, mostly as a substitute.
The England forward, who has been linked with a move to Aston Villa, insists he is still willing to fight for his place with Darren Bent, Dimitar Berbatov, and Robbie Keane.
"He [Ramos] is an honest guy. I asked him if I was part of it and he said I definitely was," Defoe added.
"There are four forwards here so obviously the competition is hard, but at the end of the day if you get a chance you have got to take it."