Portsmouth and England striker Jermain Defoe revealed Sunday another charming side to English fan culture, saying he had received threats from Portsmouth fans angry that he may return to Tottenham Hotspur one year after leaving the club.
“I have absolutely no idea how they got hold of my number but some of the calls have made me feel sick to my stomach,” he said. “I have reported it to officials at the club, but cannot accept that it is coming from people with a balanced state of mind. It has infuriated and upset my family and left me wondering what on earth possesses people to do things like that.”
Defoe also said he would like to play again for manager Harry Redknapp, who left Portsmouth for Spurs in October. “If Portsmouth can agree an acceptable deal with Tottenham I would like the opportunity to talk to them,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time immensely here, but I can’t deny that Harry Redknapp’s departure as manager hit me hard particularly because he was the primary reason why I joined Portsmouth in the first place and said so at the time.” Juventus and Manchester City have also been linked with the player.