Jermain Defoe's Sunderland 'last dance' always a risk, one that hasn't paid off

Jermain Defoe's much anticipated Sunderland return was one of the stories of the January transfer window. The return of the prodigal son coming home to fire the Black Cats to the Championship.

Things haven't quite panned out that way. In truth, the majority of Sunderland supporters knew the Defoe that signed on the dotted line two months ago was not the same player who gave them so many brilliant memories in the Premier League.

A Tyne-Wear derby winner saw him write his name into Black Cats folklore, but it was his friendship with young Bradley Lowery that captured the hearts of the city. A man full of compassion in the modern game where players personalities are stifled.

Defoe's return to Wearside in January was a sign of hope amid all the ongoing issues behind the scenes at Sunderland. Ownership quarrels have blighted the club over the past few months, and whether it was a tactic from the owners to divert any heat or not, his return certainly sparked excitement.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Defoe said: "It's crazy because all I've ever done is work hard. I know everyone says that, but that's all I've ever done is work hard. Every club I've been at I've just wanted to impress and every manager that's ever signed me I've just wanted to make the manager proud.

"That's all I've done. I've never cut any corners and done it the hard way. I've stayed behind after training and practiced my finishing, eaten well, sleeping well, just tried to give myself the best opportunity to have a good career. At the end of the day, I've done everything right."

That approach to his game is one of the reasons why he's held in such high regard at every club he's played for. Nonetheless, Defoe failed to find the back of the net in his six