Jermain Defoe hails Tottenham fans as he says farewell to White Hart Lane

Jermain Defoe: Says goodbye to the Tottenham fans

The 31-year-old has signed for Major League Soccer franchise Toronto FC and, due to a hamstring injury, was unable to take his place in the Spurs squad for their Europa League round-of-32 second-leg tie against Dnipro.

But Defoe, who has spent nine years at Tottenham over the course of two spells, emerged at half-time to leave the fans with a departing message.

"I'm just speechless," he said following a rousing reception.

"I remember it like it was yesterday when I walked on to the pitch and signed.

"Even before I kicked a ball, the reception was fantastic. It's something I will never forget. I will cherish and appreciate that.

"I'm going to miss this place. It's been a part of my life and for my family. It's a special place."

Defoe is the club's all-time leading goalscorer in European competition, but highlighted his five-goal haul in a 9-1 Premier League win over Wigan as his most lasting memory.

"I'd definitely have to say the Wigan game," he said, when asked about favourite matches in a Tottenham shirt.

"It was fantastic. At the time, I was the third player to score five goals in a Premier League game alongside Alan Shearer and Andy Cole. That was special. And winning 9-1 was a massive thing.

"It was one of those games where you get a couple of goals and I felt confident. I was just waiting for the next chance. The way it all went was fantastic. I still think about the goals now."