West Ham: Fans react as Jermain Defoe talks about his exit

Former West Ham United player Jermain Defoe has recently been talking about leaving the club, and a lot of the East London fanbase are reacting to his comments.
The striker made 98 appearances for the Hammers from 2000-2004, scoring 33 goals and picking up two assists, per Transfermarkt. It was the club that made him, as they signed him from Charlton U18’s back in 1999, but when he started making a great impact, other clubs started noticing.
One of these clubs were arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and the Englishman eventually made the £9.45 million move to North London in 2004, which disappointed the West Ham fanbase.
It seems like his comments haven’t helped the situation, but he did talk about the regret he felt leaving as he said: “I felt like I was betraying a family member.
“These people had given me an opportunity, then years later I’m going in & handing in a transfer request saying, ‘I don’t want to be here, I want to leave’. It was of course a massive regret. A massive regret,” via West Ham Gossip.
Defoe went on to make 361 appearances for Spurs, scoring 143 goals, per Transfermarkt, and now plays under former Premier League great Steven Gerrard at Rangers.
Here is what fans had to say following his quotes:
Defoe on West Ham exit: “I felt like I was betraying a family member. These people had given me an opportunity, then years later I’m going in & handing in a transfer request saying, 'I don’t want to be here, I want to leave'. It was of course a massive regret. A massive regret.” pic.twitter.com/lqnwDYoyCP
— West Ham Gossip (@westham_gossip) April 22, 2020
Judas
— Perry Sanger (@SirBobbyofMoore) April 22, 2020
He’s always said that when his playing career aid over he will reveal the truth lol , personally I think he was led by agents & money ⚒⚒⚒
— alan barrett ⚒ (@alanthehammer) April 22, 2020
He angling for a short-term contract or something?
— Ascrembalem (@ascrembalem) April 22, 2020
He handed in a transfer request THE DAY AFTER we got relegated
— Pat Mustard (@PatMustard6969) April 22, 2020
For every every neighborhood Jesus there is a neighborhood Judas.
— |⚒️⚒️| (@WHUFC_USA_2008) April 22, 2020
My view – should have gone the day he wanted out. No player bigger than a club. Zamora coming in was what we needed. He wanted to be with us. Defoe didn’t. I don’t buy bad agents either. You know it’s wrong at 21 – loyalty in football is instilled from a young age https://t.co/FT0bVbNJfy
— Mick O’C⚒⚒⚒ (@michael40301481) April 22, 2020
Hammers fans, what are your thoughts on Defoe’s exit? Comment below!
