Jermain Defoe has paid tribute to his "best pal" Bradley Lowery, saying the "highlight" of his time at the football club was walking onto the pitch with the brave youngster.

Bradley, who has the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma, has touched millions of people and his battle has touched the world of football.

A highlight for many Sunderland fans this season has been seeing how Defoe and six-year-old Bradley have struck up a remarkable friendship, which included the star footballer visiting the boy in hospital and agreeing to hop onto the bed for a cuddle.

Saying farewell to Sunderland fans as he joins Bournemouth, the footballer referred to his friendship with Bradley in a post on Twitter.