Defoe hits back at critics

17 May 2009 21:22
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe insists there is not a drinking culture amongst the players.[LNB] Spurs have been in the spotlight following Ledley King's recent arrest, with Defoe then attracting media attention at a recent outing in London.[LNB]The 26-year-old insists he is teetotal and spoke to defend his team-mates after increased criticism from some quarters.[LNB]Insisting his playing career is too important to him to risk, Defoe said: "Especially coming back from injury, you have to be professional.[LNB]Reaction"If you think about it, if I was one of those people drinking every week I don't think I'll be able to perform how I perform."[LNB]Reacting to recent photographs of him pictured after helping judge the Miss World competition in London, Defoe said: "I wasn't happy.[LNB]"It's crazy when you pick up the papers and you read something that is so far from the truth, like you're in a nightclub 48 hours before a game.[LNB]"The thing is I've never had a problem. In the time I've been playing football there has never been anything about me drinking.[LNB]"I don't see why all of a sudden people say I'm drinking," he added. "It's unbelievable. I went to an event on Tuesday , then I was with my family and I went home. We had a day off on Wednesday and I performed on Saturday."[LNB]Hitting back at suggestions that Spurs is a club of drinkers, Defoe said: "It's so far from the truth.[LNB]"It's difficult for the boys when you pick up the papers and read things. Most of the time people believe what they read.[LNB]"It's unbelievable because we have a great bunch of lads and everyone is so professional."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports