Jermain Defoe gives backing to 'special' charity match in honour of 'best friend' Bradley Lowery

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Bournemouth and England striker has given his support to the upcoming Bradley Lowery celebrity charity match which will be held at Goodison Park on September 3. 

Defoe forged a close friendship with the late youngster and his family after meeting the Sunderland fan when he was the mascot for the Black Cats in a game against Everton last season.

Defoe's relationship with Bradley captured the hearts of football fans across the globe, with the pair leading out the Three Lions for the clash with Lithuania at Wembley in March.

Jermain Defoe speaks to the media during a press conference on Tuesday morning

The Englishman forged a close relationship with terminally ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery

The six-year-old tragically lost his battle with neuroblastoma in July, with Defoe left devastated.

Unfortunately the former Sunderland forward cannot attend the match as he is on international duty with England, but he will most certainly be watching and has urged people to buy tickets and support the Bradley Lowery Foundation.

'The game will be special for me watching it for obvious reasons – the relationship I had with Bradley, my best friend, and I am still close to his family,' Defoe explained.

'I want to thank Everton on behalf of the Lowery family, and my family, for what they have done and for their support in helping the family in putting on this game; it's going to be a great occasion. 

'I also want to thank all of the players and everyone involved – it's for a great cause and hopefully we can raise a lot of money for the Foundation and for a wonderful family.'

A minutes applause is observed to commemorate Bradley Lowery on the first day of the season

The game will see a host of celebrities take to the field in support of the Bradley Lowery Foundation and Everton in the Community.

In a nod to his favourite football teams, Bradley's family have chosen the team names 'Bradley's Blues' and 'The Lowery Legends'. 

Tony Bellew will manage 'Bradley's Blues', with players including Olly Murs, Stephen Graham, Shayne Ward and former Everton stars Peter Beardsley and Alan Stubbs.

Katie Price and Roy Evans will take control of 'The Lowery Legends', including Calum Best, Jeremy Lynch, Josh Cuthbert, former Black Cats player Alex Rae and a man who represented both sides, Don Hutchison.

A celebrity charity match will be held at Goodison Park on September 3