Defoe is the ninth-maximum scorer in Premier League records, with 162 desires in 496 appearances. His profession ended with a second spell at Sunderland, with his final look for the League One side coming as a substitute in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Lincoln.
"After 22 years in the game, I have determined to retire from expert soccer," he posted on Instagram. "It's been a absolutely difficult choice, and one I actually have discussed with my circle of relatives and people closest to me."
Defoe performed for a number of clubs in a long profession such as West Ham, Tottenham, Rangers and Toronto FC. He scored 20 instances in 57 appearances for England.
"I made my professional debut at 17 years antique in 1999, and I feel now is the proper time to bow out," he said. "I even have had an brilliant journey, and feature met a few outstanding people in the sport. Football will always stay in my blood, and it gives me incredible satisfaction and pleasure to look lower back at the blessed career that I've had."
Defoe was part of the Tottenham side that won the League Cup in 2008 and ultimate yr lifted the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers. The forward evolved a near friendship with terminally sick Sunderland supporter Bradley Lowery. Lowery, who died aged six in 2017, featured in the image accompanying Defoe's retirement message.
