AN EMOTIONAL Jermain Defoe was reduced to tears whilst speaking about terminally-ill Bradley Lowery.

The AFC Bournemouth striker built a close relationship with the six-year-old Sunderland fan after he was Defoe’s mascot at a game.

The former Sunderland man was speaking at his unveiling as a Cherries player and asked for a couple of minutes before talking about his “best mate” Bradley.

Footage by Press Association

Following a lengthy pause, when a hush descended over the media suite, Defoe said: “It’s been difficult. It’s been hard because I’ve just kept this in for so long. Obviously, I have trying to be strong for my family and his family as well.

“I know that every morning I wake up and check my phone and at some point I’m going to get a message or a phone call and it’s going to be tough,” Defoe said.

“It’s an important time for me at the minute because of pre-season and all that but I’ve always said there is more to life than football.

“Just being with Bradley the other day and having the opportunity to spend time with him was special.

“I was away and I did a little video for him and stuff. He did one for me before the England game, before we played France. He did a message which was nice.”

An avid Sunderland supporter, Bradley suffers from neuroblastoma and Defoe admitted that he has just “days left”.

“He’s obviously struggling and I can say it is probably a matter of days.

“I speak to the family every day and I was with them a few days ago and it was tough to see them suffering.

“In a way, I felt like I was prepared for it because of what I’ve been through previously with my dad.

“But it was just so tough to see a kid of that age who has been going through this for so long.

“He will always be in my heart, for the rest of my life and the family know that. Not only me, but my whole family will be there for them.

“It’s difficult and it puts stuff into perspective.”

The 34-year-old England international signed a three-year deal with Cherries last weekend.

He recalled the first time he met Bradley before a Sunderland game against Everton.

“He walked into the changing room and he just ran over to me. Brad just jumped on me and I was like “wow” you’re not shy.”

“From the first moment I met him, I couldn’t believe that he was actually the young kid who was ill because he ran over to me. There was an instant connection.”

“Even at this stage when he’s in pain he always seems to find a smile.

“When we went to the Pride of the North East event, I presented him with a little award and he was in pain. Then the cameras came out and he was smiling.”

Defoe admitted that Bradley had not spoken to him about his move to the south coast.

“He didn’t really say anything to be honest. He’s probably going to tell me off.”