JERMAIN DEFOE claims Arsenal legend Martin Keown “pinched” and “headbutted” him – but the ex-Tottenham striker “loved it”.
Defoe has revealed his shock at the “mad” baptism he revealed as a teen breaking into the Premier League against no-nonsense defenders.
Jermain Defoe punched above his weight as a West Ham kid but fears other players could have been ruined by the same treatmentGetty Images – Getty
GettyMartin Keown was named by Defoe as one of the harsh defenders[/caption]
The former England star, 40, only quit playing last year after a second spell with Sunderland.
But he vividly remembers the unexpected suffering he endured during his early days with first club West Ham.
Defoe says he was “buzzing” with excitement but soon “stinging” with pain.
Buzzing – from playing against greats like Thierry Henry amid the Gunners‘ peak years under Arsene Wenger.
And stinging – from the treatment he got from ex-Three Lions centre-back Keown.
He told BBC podcast Defoe & Deeney Football Firsts: “He’d be standing behind me.
“He’d pinch your back or he’d headbutt the back of your head – mad stuff like that.
“Remember, you’re not getting this in the youth team.
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“So when he started doing it I was like, ‘what is going on here?’”
Defoe thinks Keown’s behaviour actually inspired him – but wonders if other personalities would have buckled.
He said: “It fuelled me. But if you are a different sort of character you are done.
“In a funny sort of way I loved it because I’m buzzing anyway.
“I’m playing at Highbury – Thierry and that all that lot playing there. I was buzzing, so when he (Keown) did it I loved it but it was mad.
“The pinches would hurt, you know. It felt like someone had punched me – the sting and the little headbutts.”
GettyMore than just grin and bear it, Defoe reckons Keown’s actions fired him up[/caption]