AFP, LONDON: Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe said Thursday he was prepared to change his football boots for some very different footwear in order to take part in the BBC's hit television show Strictly Come Dancing.
The 34-year-old England international is trying for the time being to help northeast side Sunderland avoid relegation from the Premier League, although this looks an increasingly forlorn task with the Black Cats 10 points adrift of safety and only eight games left. Defoe could leave Sunderland if they drop down to the second-tier Championship and appearing on an early-morning chat show on Britain's ITV, the BBC's main terrestrial rival, was asked if he would be willing to take part in Strictly, a celebrity dance competition.
“I did an interview not too long ago and they asked me the question and I was like: 'yeah why not!', Defoe said.
“I've always enjoyed dancing, I come from a West Indian background so you never know. So if they want me, give me a call.”
Several footballers, including former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and ex-England forward John Barnes have appeared on the programme with varying degrees of success.