Jermain Defoe has revealed a new tattoo which pays tribute to his friendship with Bradley Lowery.
Bradley tragically died last year at the age of six after a long battle with a rare type of cancer called neuroblastoma but he will live forever in the hearts of football fans.
The young Sunderland supporter struck up a close friendship with Defoe, who was with the Black Cats at the time, and the English striker regularly visited Bradley in hospital and brought him on to the pitch at Wembley and the Stadium of Light.
Defoe was heartbroken when Bradley passed away and was in tears as he left the funeral which was held for Bradley last July.
And the Bournemouth forward has this week paid tribute to his “best mate” by getting a special tattoo on his wrist.
For you, my best mate… @Bradleysfight 💙pic.twitter.com/7T9Sx8EUgd
— Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) October 18, 2018
Defoe said: “Obviously, this tattoo is an important piece that I’ve been thinking of getting for a while of Brads for obvious reasons.
“My relationship with him and stuff like that – but it means a lot to me. No matter what happens, I think I can always look at this and it can sort of pick me up a little bit.
“I’ve got a picture of my nan on my arm, which also means a lot to me.
“This is a nice piece. I’m going to add some stars and some clouds on it. I’m pleased with this, because it means a lot to me.”