LONDON, Aug 12 — Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has returned to the club as a member of the academy coaching staff, the Premier League side announced today.

The 39-year-old scored 143 goals in 363 appearances for Spurs across two spells between 2004 and 2014.

"(Defoe) will work closely alongside our existing coaching team to lend his vast experience and knowledge to young players across the Under-17 to Under-21 age categories,” Spurs said in a statement.

Capped 57 times by England, Defoe also had spells at Portsmouth, Sunderland, Bournemouth and Rangers before retiring from the sport in March. He briefly held the role of player-coach under Steven Gerrard at the Scottish club.

Spurs, who beat Southampton in their league opener, travel to Chelsea on Sunday. — Reuters