Portsmouth nab Spurs striker Defoe on deadline day
Spurs striker Jermain Defoe joins Portsmouth on deadline day
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Friday, 01, Feb 2008 04:34
Portsmouth have completed the deadline-day signing of Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £9 million.
The 25-year-old is reunited with former West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp, who worked with Defoe until 2004 when he was sold to their London rivals.
Defoe, who could make his Pompey debut this weekend against Chelsea, told the club's official website: "I'm glad the deal's sorted and now I can't wait to pull on the shirt and play for Pompey.
"I was with Harry at West Ham when I was a little boy - I say that but I'm still little - and he was one of the main reasons for me signing.
"He's one of the best - ask anyone who's played under him and they'll tell you the same thing.
"Harry told me that he likes me as a player. I want to play every game and he wants me to play."
And in leaving Spurs, Defoe issued a parting shot at manager Juande Ramos, who frequently picked the England international on the bench in the same way as his predecessor Martin Jol had done.
"When you sign for a club and the manager shows faith in you then it gives you confidence," Defoe continued.
"There's a lot of quality in the dressing room and I'm looking forward to being part of that.
"A European place would be great and I think with the quality we have, we're more than capable of achieving that."
Redknapp sang the praises of the striker, who has eight goals this season.
"It's a huge signing for us," the Fratton Park boss said.
"He's a fantastic player with his goalscoring and his movement. He's different class.
"He knows how to play the game. He's a clever player. He's top drawer.
"He'll be a great player for us, for sure. He's capable of getting us 20 goals a year."