TORONTO – The Kia Training Ground looked like a scene from Men in Black on Tuesday morning.
Four dark-coloured vehicles, all with tinted windows, sat idle outside the main entrance of Toronto FC’s Downsview practice facility.
Like those of us in the media, one of the two black SUVs was awaiting Jermain Defoe’s exit — his driver, if you will.
More than an hour after training, they, like we, were still waiting to hear from the Englishman for the first time in weeks. The 31-year-old has been more or less silent since hobbling off in Salt Lake City with a hamstring strain, promising he’d talk when he regains match fitness.
And, after close to a month, that time arrived Tuesday.
“It feels fine now,” Defoe said of his hamstring. “I feel 100%. I’ve worked really hard. Maybe I’ll come back stronger than I was before, which is important for the team.
“It was frustrating. I was watching the games and just wanted to be out there playing. I’ve always been one of those players where even when I get injuries the physios have to literally pin me down to the bed.”
Defoe was up and about during Tuesday’s training — one that took place in monsoon-like conditions — and, of course, answered a pair of questions pertaining to his chances of joining England at this summer’s World Cup.
“I missed three games,” he reminded reporters. “That happens in football. If you miss three games and that changes the fact (whether you can go to the World Cup) that’s crazy. It’s still early days. I’m back now and that’s the most important thing.”
It seem like the conversation surrounding England manager Roy Hodgson’s coming roster unveiling is becoming a bit tiresome.
“I don’t feel like I need to sell myself to anyone because I just let my football do the talking,”
