Jermain Defoe has told the story of how John Terry was once left in awe by Sunderland during a Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Defoe was a “scary” striker during his playing days and called time on his career at the Stadium of Light when returning for a second spell with the club in 2022.
The 43-year-old quickly became a fan favourite on Wearside, scoring 37 goals across all competitions for the Black Cats.
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He still holds Sunderland fans in high regard and leaned on them during a conversation with summer signing Granit Xhaka when helping convince the midfielder to sign for the club.
Granit Xhaka celebrates as Sunderland win
Photo by Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Now, Defoe has relived one memory from his illustrious career and said how Regis Le Bris can continue his sensational form in his maiden Premier League campaign.
John Terry has never experienced anything like Sunderland fans
When speaking to the club’s official website, Defoe said how Terry admitted the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light during a match in the 2015/16 season was unlike anything the Chelsea legend had ever experienced.
“If you can get off to a good start after promotion, it makes all the difference, and a lot of that comes from your home form.
“The Stadium of Light is a special place and can be a fortress. I remember when we beat Chelsea 3-2 under Big Sam (Allardyce). After the game, John Terry said to me, ‘J, I’ve never experienced anything like that start – the intensity, the atmosphere. Unbelievable.’
“If the boys can continue with that energy, the fans will do their part – they always do. Make the Stadium of Light a fortress again, and it becomes a really tough place for anyone to come.”
John Terry of Chelsea fouls Wahbi Khazri of Sunderland resutling in the second yellow card during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Defoe scored the match-winner during the 3-2 victory on 7 May 2016, with the result helping Sunderland to retain their top-flight status at the expense of North East rivals Newcastle United.
Terry was sent off on the day in the 95th minute, receiving a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Wahbi Khazri.
Sunderland have been the surprise package in the Premier League thus far, as fellow newly promoted side Burnley linger in the relegation zone, the Black Cats are seven points clear of the bottom three.
Le Bris remains unbeaten at the Stadium of Light this season, having claimed crucial victories against West Ham United and Brentford before securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Aston Villa despite Reinildo receiving a red card in the first half.
Although they suffered a 2-0 loss away at Manchester United heading into the international break, a clash back on Wearside against bottom-of-the-table Wolves gives the Black Cats the perfect opportunity to extend their impressive home record.
Jermain Defoe has been impressed by Wilson Isidor
Wilson Isidor broke Darren Bent’s record set in the 2010/11 season when he scored in his third consecutive home match against Aston Villa.
The Frenchman is the club’s leading scorer with three league goals and is the only player to have scored more than once thus far.
And as Isidor sports the number 18 shirt, previously worn by Defoe, he said he was delighted to see the forward performing so well in the Premier League.
Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Sunderland and Brentford at Stadium of Light.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
“No one’s ever done that for a newly-promoted side. He’s absolutely flying.
“When you get promoted, having someone at the top end of the pitch who can make the difference and score goals is huge. And he’s carrying on the legacy of the number 18. That shirt has always felt lucky at Sunderland, and I’m delighted to see him doing it justice.”