Defoe is back in England after money did not buy happiness during his Major League Soccer journey.

British footballer Jermain Defoe will be back in familiar territory after a rocky journey in the Major League Soccer. The 32 year-old forward just signed a three and a half year deal with Sunderland.

He was just unveiled with Toronto FC in January 2014 after signing a contract that guaranteed him $8 million for four years. In the end money can’t buy comfort. The MLS used NBA star Lebron James and rapper Drake to reel him into Toronto along with his mum. To watch him leave so early is something they surely did not expect. 

Defoe had a magnificent start to the season with his new team. He scored 11 goals in the first 16 games. About halfway through the campaign, the magic vanished and the problems rose. The first one was not being called by Roy Hodgson to represent England in the World Cup last summer. Around the same time, injuries taunted the striker.

To make a deeper wound, fans questioned his commitment with his new team. Missing 12 of the last 18 games of the season did not help his reputation.

“If you want someone to stay at the football club, at least support them. At least show that you want them there,” Defoe said.

Even before the season ended, Defoe was spotted back in Europe training with the Spurs development squad. Three months after leaving the U.S., he might have another reason to smile. On Friday morning, he signed with his fourth Premier League team.

“I am delighted to be here and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Defoe expressed to Sunderland’s website.

Jermain Defoe in his new colours

Jermain Defoe in Sunderland's colours

Watch Jermain Defoe's first interview after signing for Sunderland: 

Defoe will be swapping places with American forward Jozy Altidore, 25, who only scored once in 18 months with Sunderland. The financial terms of the contracts have not been disclosed. 

Jozy Altidore posing with his new jersey at Toronto FC

Jozy Altidore at Toronto FC - Unveiled