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London - Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has signed a one-year contract extension as a reward for helping preserve his club's Premier League status.
Defoe's tally of 18 goals this season included 15 in the league as Sunderland climbed out of the relegation zone.
The 33-year-old, who netted a crucial winner against Chelsea in the penultimate game of the season, will now be tied to Sunderland until 2019.
"Jermain is one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the Premier League and is a player that every manager would want to have in their team," Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce said.
"He proved that beyond doubt last season by scoring 15 league goals, he is in fantastic physical condition and we are very pleased that we have been able to extend his stay with us."
Defoe's club form this season prompted calls for him to be included in the England squad for Euro 2016.
But although the former Tottenham and West Ham star was ignored by England manager Roy Hodgson, he has resurrected his career since returning to the Premier League from Major League Soccer.
Defoe's brief stay with Toronto was a disappointment and he arrived at the Stadium of Light in a swap deal with United States international Jozy Altidore in January last year.
