Bradley Lowery: Jermain Defoe says goodbye to his best friend with emotional tribute

Jermain Defoe has released a heartbreaking tribute to his
best friend Bradley Lowery.

Figures from the football world and beyond have paid tribute
to the six-year-old boy, who lost his long battle against neuroblastoma on
Friday.

But Bradley, a massive Sunderland fan, struck up a close
friendship with England striker Defoe – who has now spoken out for the first
time since Bradley’s death.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Defoe said: “Goodbye my
friend gonna miss you lots. I feel so blessed God brought you into my life and
had some amazing moments with you and for that I’m so grateful, Metro said.

“I’ll never ever forget the way you looked at me when I met
you for the first time, the genuine love in those cute eyes.

“Really finding it hard to find words to express what you
mean to me.

“The way you say my name, your little smiles when the
cameras come out like a little superstar and the love I felt when I was with
you.

“Your courage and bravery will continue to inspire me for
the rest of my life. You will never know what a difference you made to me as a
person. God has you in his arms and I will always carry you in my heart.

“Sleep tight little one. My best friend.”

The pair struck up an immediate bond after Bradley featured
as a mascot for Sunderland in the Premier League.

Defoe regularly visited Bradley and his family as the
youngster’s condition worsened, and pictures of them cuddling were posted by
the Lowery family.