Defoe to leave Spurs for Toronto

Tottenham Hotspur FC forward and the UEFA Europa League's joint-top scorer Jermain Defoe is set for pastures new after putting pen to paper on a deal to join Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on 28 February.

Defoe, 31, has notched 90 Premier League goals in 274 appearances during two spells at White Hart Lane and leaves as the club's all-time leading marksman in Europe after scoring in the 2-1 UEFA Europa League Group K victory over FC Sheriff in November.

"Everybody knows how much this club means to me and I will play my heart out for the team and the fans until my last kick for the club," said Defoe, who currently heads the UEFA Europa League scoring charts alongside Olcan Adın with five goals. "I have had a fantastic time here and the fans have always been amazing to me.

"I am grateful for the opportunity for myself and my family to experience living overseas and for me to play in the MLS with a contract that will take me to the age of 35. I have no doubt I shall be coming back as a fan supporting the team in the years to come."

Former West Ham United FC and Portsmouth FC striker Defoe, who has 55 England caps and 19 international goals, also leaves with the best wishes of head coach Tim Sherwood. "This is a great opportunity for Jermain and he feels it is one he wishes to pursue," said Sherwood, whose team take on Ukrainian outfit FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in the UEFA Europa League round of 32. "He has played a big part at the club for many years and we all know he will give his best until his last minute in a Spurs shirt.

"We have several attacking options within our squad for the remaining games of the season after Jermain departs and we shall keep our options under review. We also have a goal threat from players in other areas of the pitch."