Rangers striker Jermain Defoe has posted a heartfelt tribute to best friend Bradley Lowery on what would have been his ninth birthday.
Defoe became pals with the youngster while playing for Sunderland between 2015 and 2017.
Lowery, an avid Black Cats fan, was battling cancer at the time and sadly passed away in July 2017, aged six.
He was awarded the Match of the Day Goal of the Month for a pre-match penalty against Chelsea 's Asmir Begovic earlier that year.
Defoe led Lowery out onto the pitch at Sunderland and England games and even comforted him in hospital.
After his passing, he honoured Lowery with a post on social media, calling him his "best friend".
And on what should have been a day of celebration for the inspirational boy, Defoe paid tribute to him again.
The Rangers forward wrote on Instagram: "Happy birthday little man we all miss and love you.
"Sometimes in life things happen and it’s hard to understand but I know God does not make mistakes and I know he’s taking care of my best friend.
"Hope you are looking down on your lovely family and friends and smiling in heaven on your birthday."
