Jermain Defoe says it is important to try and create a family atmosphere at a football club.
The English striker is preparing for his Major League Soccer debut with Toronto FC this weekend after joining from Premier League club Tottenham in late February.
Defoe spent a total of nine years at White Hart Lane over two spells with Spurs so knows what it is like to become part of a 'football family' and he admits he would like to cultivate a similar bond in Toronto.
"Obviously it's important around the training ground trying to get to know each individual and how they play," The England international said at training earlier this week.
"But I suppose off the pitch is important, getting to know your teammates, because you become a family.
"So I think that's important, but that's obviously that's something I'll do around the training ground."
Defoe will debut for Toronto when the Reds take on Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field this weekend in their 2014 MLS season opener.
