Defoe pens letter to honour 'best friend' Bradley Lowery

Jermain Defoe penned an emotional goodbye letter to recently departed young Sunderland mascot Bradley Lowery, who died on July 7 after a battle with neuroblastoma, a rare type of cancer.

(Photo courtesy: @IAmJermainDefoe)

Defoe, Lowery's favourite player, had grown close with the 6-year-old during his time at Sunderland, spending time with him over the last two years. The two even walked out onto Wembley Stadium hand-in-hand to lead England for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania.

While Defoe recently made the switch from the Black Cats to Bournemouth, he said his relationship with the young boy made a lasting impression.

"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," Defoe's note read.

Related: Tributes pour in for late Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery