Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has hit back at the criticism levelled at him following his advertisement for a personal assistant.

The range of duties in the £60,000 a year role included marketing, brand awareness and organising events along with watering the plants and ensuring the fridge was fully stocked.

"I don't see why it's such a big deal. To be honest, I wouldn't have called it a PA because I'm not someone who would ever say, 'Oh, this is my PA'. But that's not to say I don't need someone to help my family do some of the things I can't."

Defoe said he had not seen the advert for what was described as a "24/7 Personal Assistant" before it was published on a secretarial website.

The ad required the successful applicant to create "a global brand for the Jermain Defoe name" and help launch a new app alongside "potential projects", including the creation of a new clothing/ fragrance line.

"Am I really doing something that bad? A boy from East London trying to get on in life and do good things?

"I've read that I can't do this or can't do that, but yeah, I do pack my own fridge, and yeah, I do go and get the shopping near where I live, most days with my girlfriend."

The lads at Off the Ball have already had their say on the matter:

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