London: English and Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe paid an emotional tribute to his friend Bradley Lowery after the six-year-old lost his battle with cancer on Friday.
Defoe, who previously played for Sunderland in the 2016-17 Premier League season struck a close bond with the little guy when Bradley joined the striker as a mascot in the fixtures for the Black Cats.
The death of Lowery drew an enormous outpouring of reaction on social media and Defoe shared a collage picture of the two on Instagram, bidding goodbye to his friend in a heart-warming tribute.
The devoted Sunderland supporter suffered from a rare form of cancer neuroblastoma and had of late been receiving palliative care at his home.
Defoe, who had touchingly been accompanied by Lowery onto the Wembley pitch when the striker made his England return after a four-year hiatus against Lithuania in March, broke down in tears on Thursday when asked about him declaring his 'best mate' only had days to live. Confirmation of the 34-year-old's fears arrived on Friday.
Sunderland, whose miserable season which saw them relegated from the Premier League was given a brighter hue by Lowery's presence, asked for the family to be allowed to grieve in peace and referred to Defoe and their heart-warming relationship.
"He had a special relationship with Jermain Defoe and their feelings for each other were evident for all to see. Jermain, naturally, is heartbroken," the club said.
Lowery and his courageous battle was exposed to a wider audience at the beginning of last season as at the Premier League game between Everton and Sunderland his name was chanted by both sets of fans in the fifth minute -- as he was then five -- and Everton then donated generously to the fund for his proposed treatment in the United States. The funds raised will now be placed in a foundation in his name, according to Sunderland.
Despite his failing health his spirit and resilience were remarkable and he went on to jointly win the BBC Premier League goal of the month competition in December -- converting a penalty past Chelsea reserve goalkeeper Asmir Begovic at half-time of their game.
Sadly things by that stage had deteriorated further with a new tumour detected at the base of his spine. By the time his sixth birthday had come round last month Lowery was back in the hospital but Defoe celebrated it with him once he was discharged.
