Bradley Lowery’s ‘best pal’ Jermain Defoe breaks down at press conference and reveals terminally ill tot has ‘only a matter of days’
JERMAIN Defoe broke down in tears as he revealed his “best pal” Bradley Lowery only has days to live.
The Bournemouth striker spoke of his heartache at watching the terminally ill tot suffering when he visited him a few days ago.
Former Sunderland forward Defoe has formed a close bond with the avid Black Cats fan and told a press conference the six-year-old will “always be in my heart”.
When asked about the youngster’s battle with neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer - Defoe said: "I speak to the family every day.
“I was with him a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that. He's obviously struggling. I can say it's a matter of days.
"He will always be in my heart for the rest of my life. There isn't a day that goes past when I don't wake up and check my phone or think about little Bradley.
“Because his love is genuine and I can see that in his eyes when he looks at me. So it’s just special.”
The footballer was seen fighting back tears as he recalled the moment they first met and the friendship that has blossomed.
The footballer was seen fighting back tears as he recalled the moment they first met and the friendship that has blossomed.
"It's been hard because I have kept this in for so long,” he said, during the press conference with his new team, AFC Bournemouth.
“In a way I felt like I was prepared for it, because of what I’ve been through previously, like with my dad, but it was just tough to see a kid of that age that’s been going through it for so long.”
Just days ago he penned an emotional tribute to Bradley - saying his favourite part of playing for Sunderland was walking on to the pitch with the brave youngster.
The striker is moving from the club and has joined Bournemouth on a free transfer.
But he wrote an emotional letter after building up a close friendship with terminally ill six-year-old Bradley.
The brave youngster has been battling neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer – for most of his life.
Sunderland superfan Bradley had led his beloved club out against Everton in March - just days after it emerged he had a new tumour.
Defoe said: "I'd like to thank all the Sunderland fans for their support and everyone else involved with the football club.
"I had an amazing time with many great memories.
"I'm going to miss so many people at the club from the canteen staff and the chef to the laundry girls and the cleaners who always made the boys smile no matter what.
"I feel blessed to have played for such a great football club with some of the best fans I've ever come across.
"The highlight of my time has to be walking out with Bradley against Everton and that volley against Newcastle - a goal people still come up to me and talk about!!"
He ended the letter by wishing everyone at Sunderland the "best for the future".
It comes after Bradley's devastated mum Gemma revealed the sick youngster is "deteriorating fast".
She wrote: "Bradley is deteriorating fast, his temperature is going very high his breathing very fast his oxygen levels low.
"He is sleeping most the time apart from odd times awake.
"We knew this was coming but we are heart broken beyond words.
"We have been told he could be like this for days it just depends on him and his body."
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Gemma also posted a poignant snap of Bradley being hugged by Kieran with the caption: "My two boys my world my everything".
Terminally-ill Bradley recently enjoyed a beach holiday with his family after Gemma and dad Carl were told he has just weeks to live.
Gemma shared a touching snap of the Sunderland superfan beaming as he clutched a lollipop while “making the most of everything” on the trip.
She said: “We were told 3 weeks ago he had weeks to live and he is still going. I am so proud of him he is my little super star.
“I know he could change any day now and when that time comes it’s going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do but for now we making the most of everything.”
Bradley’s mum also posted a photo of him smiling behind the wheel of the car as the family headed on the trip.
But she revealed earlier this month that Bradley’s health is going downhill rapidly – as “new lumps and bumps” are found “each day”.
She shared the devastating news next to a picture of the youngster, whose story of bravery has touched the nation.
Footballer Defoe – Bradley’s “best friend” – revealed his pain at finding out Bradley’s cancer was spreading fast – and that he doesn’t have long left to live.
The England striker texts the six-year-old’s mum first thing every morning for updates on the brave Sunderland lad.
Defoe struck up his friendship with Bradley back in September when the young cancer sufferer led out his beloved Sunderland against Everton at the Stadium of Light.