Defoe's transfer request from West Ham
West Ham’s worst fears began to be realised yesterday when Jermain Defoe became the first player to hand in a transfer request, less than 24 hours after the club were relegated from the Barclaycard Premiership.
The England Under-21 striker, who was an ever-present for the Hammers during the season and scored 11 goals, feels he must move on in order to further his career.
In a statement released through his agent to the Press Association, the 20-year-old said: “As much as I love West Ham United I feel that now is the right time for me to move on in my career.
“This is very much a career decision. I am very ambitious and hungry to achieve at the highest levels of the game for both club and country.
“The club staff and especially the fans are very dear to me and have been unbelievable in the early part of my career. It will always be a special place for me to play.”
Defoe did not break his duck this season until the 3-2 win at Chelsea at the end of September but hit a rich vein of form as the Hammers’ form improved.
He failed to score in the club’s final six games as their fight for Premiership survival proved unsuccessful but is regarded as one of the club’s most saleable assets and has already been linked with Manchester United.
While many West Ham fans will understand Defoe’s desire to continue playing in the top flight, they are unlikely to be impressed by the timing of his decision.
