Jermain Defoe has revealed how taking his aggression out on a punchbag has helped him through the first serious injury of his career.
The Tottenham striker will be back in training next week after breaking a metatarsal over two months ago, and admits his disappointment at not being able to play in Spurs’ Carling Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
Defoe also thanked former team-mate Ian Wright who also helped the England striker though his first major injury lay-off, and hopes to be back in action for his side in the upcoming weeks.
He said: “It’s been difficult for me as it was my first proper injury. Considering I’m 26, I’ve been quite lucky.
“It was hard missing the Carling Cup final. As soon as I was injured that was the first thing I thought of. I took my aggression out on a punchbag as I’ve got a little gym at my house.
“The first six weeks were hard because I was on crutches. It was horrible, I couldn’t do much.
“Wrighty has always been a help. We were both together for a spell at West Ham when I was 17. He kept in touch and rings me every Saturday. After the injury, he said it was important I was rested. I was gutted.
“Hopefully I’ll be back in training on Tuesday. After that it will be up to the manager but I’m ready to play again.”