Jermain Defoe is back at Sunderland, nearly five years after leaving the club.

Defoe left Sunderland when they were relegated from the Premier League.

Now that he has left his role as player-coach at Scottish giants Rangers, Defoe was in the market for a new club.

He has now signed for Sunderland as a free agent, and could not be happier at how things have transpired.

Defoe said in a statement: "I can't stop smiling because this is a special move for me for many reasons.

"I've had so many messages saying, 'remember when you said you would come back', as I said that I would one day and when I left, I wasn't ready to leave.

"I have a special bond with the fans here and the club is in a fantastic position to get promoted.

"I want to be a part of more special times here and I'm looking forward to it."

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "We all know how high highly regarded Jermain is amongst our fan base and within the wider community.

"He returns at a crucial time in our season, and we firmly believe that he can have a positive influence on and off the pitch.

"Jermain's personality is infectious and his mindset is elite.

"He is a proven winner and a goalscorer and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Stadium of Light."