Jermain Defoe says he would be open to playing in the MLS in the future

Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe says he would not rule out a return to the MLS.

The 36-year-old joined Toronto in 2014 and scored 12 goals in 21 matches, but returned to England with Sunderland less than a year later following a breakdown in relations with then-club president Tim Leiweke.

"I definitely wouldn't rule it out because when I was there, I enjoyed it," he told ESPN FC. "I enjoyed going to different places, places I'd never been before.

"But even when I was there, each team we played, I always felt like there were a few players that could probably go on and play at some level in Europe.

"I think the standard is improving. I think when David Beckham went there, it [the standard] was probably nowhere near what it is now.

Defoe played in the MLS for Toronto in 2014

"It's definitely a league that's improving. I watch the games and there are some quality teams and all the stadiums are full now."

Defoe added: "I think maybe [I went to the MLS too soon]," Defoe said. "It just made sense at the time because it was a good deal for both parties.

"For me going to another league, a new challenge, a club that had massive changes ... I knew the manager, Toronto is an amazing city and I looked at it and thought, David Beckham went there, Robbie Keane went there, other players.

"I thought this could be good, a new chapter in my life. And to be honest, I enjoyed it.