'Mercenary, Let's move on, I'll never forgive him': Portsmouth faithful react to reunion with controversial Jermain Defoe
The ex-Spurs striker scored 17 goals for Pompey during a 12-month Premier League stay
Pompey will this summer reunite with a former striker who left Fratton Park in highly controversial circumstances.
The former England man scored 17 goals in 36 appearances for Pompey before driving his return to Spurs in January 2009 after just 12 months on the south coast.
The manner of his departure drew criticism from then-manager Tony Adams, while supporters accused Defoe of purposely missing a penalty against West Ham on Boxing Day 2008.
It has been 17-and-a-half years after Defoe’s exit and, ahead of next month’s reunion, Pompey fans have their say on if it’s now water under the bridge or whether the striker still hasn’t been forgiven…
I don't like booing, especially players who have contributed to our success. He was superb for us and should be appreciated for that. But he's shown absolutely no feelings for us since he left, nor, probably, while he was still here. So my opinion of him is diminished. Leave be. @PompeyNev
Personally don’t care about him. He was overpaid when he was with us, part of the expense that saw us collapse. He’s an old player doing what he can as a manager. Pompey just have to use the game for the warm up, don't get involved in unnecessary hype. @UCLAPompeyfan
I never had a problem with him personally. He was probably the best finisher we have ever had, but I never expected undying loyalty in the Premier League. I just enjoyed watching him score goals for us for a bit. Has shown he’s a class act since with Sunderland, etc. Wish him all best. @jezzurps
Haven’t forgotten that he missed that penalty on purpose. He didn’t want to be at Pompey. @DavidSwindlehu1
Mercenary, but grown up a bit - interested to see how well he goes as an adult. @MrBenakaCJ
Never really warmed to him, despite his undoubted talent. I think the fact that Benjani was pushed out the door so that he could join was a big part for me. One loved Pompey, the other never really gave the impression he wanted to be here. @SBur114
His behaviour at the time seemed calculated but I don’t hold a grudge any more. Let bygones be bygones. @ozymandiasJH
I'm one with a long memory. As much as he was class on the pitch, he lacked class before leaving apparently injured - but managed to pass a fitness test at Spurs. Couldn't get away quick enough. @hantshog30
After seeing him with little Bradley Lowery I realised he had a big heart so wouldn’t hold against him. And the abuse he got playing for England in Kazakhstan from a section of fans was off the scale. @GaryandNolan
A lot of people have come and gone while doing a lot more damage to the club in the time since. I can't bring myself to feel particularly strongly either way. @xxxxpompeyxxxx
Defoe was still quite immature while at Fratton but his friendship with Bradley Lowery showed that he became an adult since he left. People make mistakes. Judge the man by who he is today. @LostTransport
Will never forgive him for that West Ham game, the lack of effort knowing he was going, and especially that penalty. Still convinced he shovelled it wide on purpose. @JSweetman92
Spoke to him at Anthony Joshua weigh in. Loved it here and was made to leave (his words). Seemed genuine - although after the West Ham game I thought what a mug. @BenjoPompey
It is what it was, move on. @Hutchy657
Whatever you think of his attitude towards the end, he was a superb poacher of goals at the top level. @stevebone1
Your Next Pompey Read: The two essential signings Portsmouth need - and they're already at Fratton Park