Steven Gerrard’s Rangers triumphed 5-0 over Oxford yesterday and Jermain Defoe showed his class by dedicating his strike to Bradley Lowery.
Two years after the six-year-old Sunderland fan passed away Defoe got on the scoresheet and devoted his goal to the boy he had such a special bond with during his time in the North East. The 36-year-old finished off a sweeping team move and was quick to dedicate his goal in the dominant win to Lowery after the game on Twitter.
Proud to get a goal today. Can’t believe it’s been two years. That one was for you, little man… 💙 pic.twitter.com/5PLF5DLBnR
— Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) July 7, 2019
Defoe’s goal now means that it’s two in two for the former Spurs striker in pre-season- having notched the only goal of the game against TNS of Wales- and could see him earn a place in Gerrard’s starting XI against St. Joseph’s tomorrow evening. Alfredo Morelos was missing during the Oxford friendly due to an injury picked up against Mansfield earlier in pre-season but should be okay to be involved in tomorrow’s Europa League first-round qualifying match in Gibraltar.
Defoe’s pre-season form has given the former Liverpool captain a dilemma as to who to start up-front going into the new season but the striker’s touching tribute was the most important thing to come from yesterday and these Rangers fans are full of admiration for the former England international.
Your a class act on and off the field Jermain Defoe ????⚪️????
— True Blues Loyal®️™️????⚪️????⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@TrueBluesLoyal) July 7, 2019
Pure class, as always ????
— Alfredco_Morelos (@Pena_Cartel) July 7, 2019
The epitome of class Jermain, the wee man would be so proud,we are fortunate to see you in our jersey.
— Ian Barrie (@ian_barrie) July 7, 2019
Proud to have you at our club sir. A class act ????????????
— MY girl ???????? (@madmarj3003) July 7, 2019
Absolute gentleman role model and ultimate professional ????⚪????????????
— Govanite (@Govanger) July 7, 2019
Absolute class act of man on and off the pitch. The wee man would proud of you ????⚪????????✌️
— Stevie Brown (@stevieb_1872) July 7, 2019
@Bradleysfight thinking of the wee man today, rest easy wee fella! @IAmJermainDefoe the young one will be smiling down with pride in his favourite player and looking over his family! He was a true hero!
— TheRuralRider (@theruralrider) July 7, 2019
The little man would have been looking down and cheering you and the team on today Jermain????.
— Menzies (@menzies999) July 7, 2019