Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe reveals he struggles on match-days this season… because he misses close friend Bradley Lowery
BOURNEMOUTH striker Jermain Defoe has revealed he struggles on match-days this season... because he misses pal Bradley Lowery.
Brave Lowery, six, passed away earlier this year after losing his tragic battle with cancer.
The Sunderland super-fan - and ex-Black Cats forward Defoe - formed a wonderful friendship last season - with Lowery often walking out onto the pitch with the England ace.
On top of that, Defoe, 34, would visit the youngster - who was fighting neuroblastoma - in hospital, until his heart-breaking death on July 7.
Now the Cherries striker has claimed he struggles on match-days, saying: "Every day before every game he would be there.
"He used to look up to me and he loved his football and that's when he came alive. He was always with me walking out.
"There's times now before games that I'm so used to Brads being beside me, giving me that little bit of strength.
"It's been difficult - every day I wake up thinking about Brads. It's still fresh.
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"But there was so many good memories and I'm just thankful that I had that relationship with him and his family. It was really special.
"It was something that was special. That instant connection.
"I remember Brad being in the changing room and his energy was amazing for a little child that wasn't well. Since then it just grew and we became closer.
"He touched my life in a big way. It was difficult. There was times I saw Brads before the game and I could see that he was in pain.
"And obviously I had to play the game and it was difficult.
"His fight and enthusiasm and strength - it went such a long way."