Tottenham ‘open to Jermain Defoe making shock return to club as coach’ after England hero retires aged 39

TOTTENHAM are reportedly open to letting Jermain Defoe join the club as a coach.

Defoe retired from football yesterday aged 39 after a career that spanned 22-years.

Getty Images – GettySpurs are reportedly willing to let Defoe earn his coaching badges at the club[/caption]

The striker is set to stay in the game though after hanging up his boots, with the former England star currently in the process of earning his coaching badges.

And Spurs are willing to let him earn his qualifications at their training base, according to the Daily Mail.

That could then see him be rewarded with a formal offer to be a coach at the club.

Defoe scored 143 goals in 362 appearances for Spurs.

In total he netted 304 goals in 762 club games, and a further 20 times in 57 games for England.

The former West Ham, Portsmouth and Spurs man is currently the ninth highest scoring in Premier League history – with 162 strikes to his name.

Defoe had joined former club Sunderland from Rangers in the winter transfer window on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

But after just two starts and five substitute appearances, he called time on his career.

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Announcing the news in a lengthy Twitter post, Defoe said: “After 22 years in the game, I have decided to retire from professional football. It’s been a really tough decision, and one I have discussed with my family and those closest to me.

“I made my professional debut at 17 years old in 1999, and I feel now is the right time to bow out. I have had an incredible journey, and have met some amazing people in the game.

“Football will always remain in my blood, and it gives me great pride and satisfaction to look back on the blessed career I’ve had.

“I now look forward to spending some quality time with my friends and family before moving forward on this next chapter in my career.

“Thank you to all the fans from each club I’ve played for. The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with all of you.

“Thank you also to my amazing team mates, coaches, and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.

“Lastly, I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old and you made me believe my dream could happen. All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God.”