Source: SKY_Sports
Defoe stronger after tragedy
Spurs striker Jermain Defoe says the death of his half-brother Jade has put the role of football in his life into perspective.[LNB] Defoe says the tragedy will make him stronger as a person and he believes it has reminded him what is important.[LNB]The England forward says he is ready to take the field against West Brom on Saturday, just one week after Jade was admitted to hospital following a street attack in broad daylight.[LNB]PerspectiveDefoe told the Daily Mirror: "When things like that happen, it puts everything else into perspective. The things you thought were really important, the most important things in life, you realise they are not.[LNB]"My brother will always be in my thought and in my heart, and I'm sure this will make me even stronger as a person and appreciate everything in life.[LNB]"It wasn't a nice experience but it was one I'll never forget. It's hard to put into words how I felt, but I'm glad I was there."[LNB]The death of his half-brother brought home the importance of family to the £15million striker who just one week earlier was excited about returning from a foot injury.[LNB]VigilDefoe missed the trip to Manchester United on compassionate leave last Saturday, dashing from the training ground to be at Jade's bedside.[LNB]He says it was being with his family that made him realise that football is a secondary concern in his life.[LNB]"All my family were at his bedside and it was hard, as you can imagine, to put into words how I felt, but I'm still glad I was there," Defoe said.[LNB]He says the sheer volume of support from fans and well-wishers has helped him come to terms with the tragedy and he thanked everyone for their messages of sympathy.[LNB]Defoe added: "I've received lots of cards, letters and messages from Spurs fans and that's something special as well - I'd like to thank them all.[LNB]"The club has been so supportive - it's been a tough time but I've had good people around me and that has helped.[LNB]"I'm ready to play again - if I manage to start, it would be great, but I just want to get out there and do my stuff because it's a big game[LNB]"I feel like a schoolboy and I can't wait to get back to doing what I love - scoring goals for Tottenham in the Premier League."[LNB]
