Big Chiv inspires JD to break record
Jermain Defoe took inspiration from a chance meeting with Martin Chivers during half-time of Thursday night's Europa League encounter against FC Sheriff at the Lane.
Twenty minutes later, Jermain was celebrating overtaking ‘Big Chiv’ as our all-time top goalscorer in European competition.
JD rifled a penalty into the top corner in the 67th minute to register goal number 23 for us in Europe.
He started the night level with legendary fellow striker Martin on 22 and after a goalless first half, their paths crossed at the interval after Martin was interviewed pitchside.
“I saw Martin at half-time and he said ‘keep going, you can do it, you can break the record’ and that calmed me down a bit,” revealed Jermain.
“It’s crazy how it all happened. I came down the tunnel and he was there, smiling. He wanted me to do it and it’s fantastic. It really means a lot. He’s a legend at this club and to be at the top now, I’m delighted.
“It’s an amazing feeling. It’s not really sunk in yet.”
Erik Lamela played a key role as we secured a 2-1 victory against the Moldovan champions to book a place in the last 32 of the competition with two group matches remaining.
The winger opened the scoring with his first goal for the club on 59 minutes before being brought down for a penalty.
There was only going to be one taker!
“When we got the penalty, I was confident I was going to score,” added Jermain. “I waited for the goalkeeper to move and I thought ‘I’ll just whip this’ and yes, like I said before, some things are just meant to be.
“I thought Erik was fantastic. It’s not easy for a youngster to come into this country and settle straight away. It takes time.
“It was a great performance from the first whistle and when he scored his goal, that was brilliant for him.”