Defoe refutes mercenary accusation

Pompey fans were furious with Defoe for going back to Spurs less than 12 months after arriving at Fratton Park, with the 26-year-old getting increased wages in a five-and-a-half-year deal as a result of the return.

But England striker Defoe said: "It's not like that. It was a fantastic opportunity and anyone in my situation would have done the same thing."

Defoe feels his attitude a year ago, during the final part of his first spell at Spurs, answers accusations of him demanding moves when he is not in the team - having found himself dropped during his final days at Pompey.

"When I was here (Tottenham) last time not once did I moan or even knock on the manager's door," he said. "I just went training as normal like the rest of the lads.

"Sometimes when you're not playing on the Saturday you will train with the reserves but not once did I moan. People have gone from saying I dealt with that situation fantastically and all of a sudden they're saying I spat my dummy out and just left."

Defoe feels Pompey boss Tony Adams will continue with Peter Crouch in attack on his own. He also feels Adams could have done more to persuade him to stay.

"Maybe I thought he would try harder to keep me but he knows what he wants to do," Defoe said. "He wants to bring his own players in and he wants to play five in midfield and one up front.

"He showed that against Liverpool and Arsenal when I didn't play and he played Peter Crouch up front on his own. That's what he'll look to do now."