Defoe defends switch to Tottenham

Defoe had a successful first spell at White Hart Lane

Jermain Defoe has launched a passionate defence of his decision to leave Portsmouth to return to Tottenham.

The 26-year-old, who finalised his £15m-transfer back to Spurs on Friday, has been criticised for demanding moves when he is not in the team.

But Defoe said: "That's not true because when I was at Tottenham last time not once did I moan.

"People are saying I spat my dummy out and just left. It's not like that, it was a fantastic opportunity."

Defoe has rejoined a club he left less than 12 months ago and has signed a five-and-a-half year deal with increased wages.

He was dropped during his final days at Portsmouth and says manager Tony Adams could have done more to persuade him to stay.

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"Maybe I thought he would try harder to keep me but he knows what he wants to do," Defoe said. "He wants to bring his own players in and he wants to play five in midfield and one up front.

"He showed that against Liverpool and Arsenal when I didn't play and he played Peter Crouch up front on his own. That's what he'll look to do now."