Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe has paid a heartfelt tribute to young cancer fighter Bradley Lowery during his first press conference as a Cherries player.

The veteran forward teared up while recalling his final visit with the youngster, who has a terminal from of neuroblastoma, describing him as his "best friend".

The Mirror quotes him as saying: "It has been difficult. It has been hard because I've been keeping this in for so long, trying to be strong for my family and his family."

Defoe struck up a special bond with Bradley at Sunderland when the youngster was chosen as the team's mascot, keeping in touch ever since and making regular visits to his family home.

"I don't really know how to put into words how I feel. It has been a special time having that relationship with Brad," Defoe added.

"I speak to the family every day, I was with them a few days ago and it was tough to see him suffer like that.

"I felt I was prepared for it after what I went through with my dad but it was so tough to see a kid of that age who has been going through this for so long and got to the stage where he is obviously struggling.

"I can say it is only a matter of days but he will always be in my heart for the rest of my life."

Last week, Bradley's family issued a statement sadly confirming that he is "close to going with the angels".