JERMAIN DEFOE has completed his return to Sunderland on a short-term deal until June.
The 39-year-old striker left Glasgow Rangers last month and had several clubs chasing his services.
Oxford United were also keen, but it is the League One promotion-chasing Black Cats that have secured his signature.
Defoe said: “I can’t stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons.
“I’ve had so many messages saying, ‘remember when you said you would come back’, as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn’t ready to leave.
“I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted.
“I want to be a part of more special times here and I’m looking forward to it.”
The veteran spent two-and-a-half seasons at the Stadium of Light between 2015 and 2017.
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He scored 37 goals in 93 appearances for the club and has 305 goals in 756 club games throughout his career.
Defoe arrives back at Sunderland to a team currently without a manager.
Sunderland sacked Lee Johnson following the 6-0 defeat to Bolton on Saturday.
They are currently third in League One and just two points behind leaders Rotherham.
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