To date, Defoe has hit a superb 16 goals in all competitions this season to make it a total of 24 in a year at the club after arriving on-loan from AFC Bournemouth.
He’s achieved so much in his career at a number of top clubs, as well as internationally with England – but he insists the opportunity to join and then re-sign at Ibrox until the summer of 2021 was easy for him.
“I think the smile says it all!” he beamed as he spoke exclusively to RangersTV. “I’m just delighted to be honest – when I first signed, as I’ve said many times, it was an easy decision because I have always known about the size of this football club and the history and the great players that have played for this club, so I think for it to get all sorted and for me to secure my future here for another year is really special.
“I knew at the end of the season, of course, my Bournemouth contract would be up and my loan deal would be up, but always at the back of my mind I thought if I could get the opportunity to sign another contract here, it would be special.
“I’ve spoken about winning trophies and achieving something special together – and for me, not only this season, I can look forward to next season and doing the same next season as well.
The one thing missing from Defoe’s illustrious career, really, is a long list of honours.
To date, a League Cup winners’ medal with Tottenham in 2008 is all he has won in 20 seasons as a professional – but the opportunity to potentially add to that here at Rangers is something which excites him greatly.
“Of course,” he added. “If you look at any player, that’s why you play football – you play football to win trophies and be remembered.
“Obviously it wasn’t meant to be for whatever reason and I am at a place now where I am playing in a top, top team with some top players – full of internationals and there is a good mix between the young and senior players.
“For me, it is not just about the football. I think it’s about what I bring to the changing room in terms of helping the boys be professional and I suppose how you conduct yourself – especially representing a club like this.
“So, for me it is more than just the football – I think it’s the full package that is important.”