England star Jermaine Defoe has broken off his pre-season training in Spain and flown home for the funeral of his 'best friend' Bradley Lowery.
Defoe left Bournemouth's camp in Marbella so that he can attend the service in Blackhall, County Durham, today.
Bradley died of neuroblastoma, a rare cancer, a week ago, after a long and public battle which captured the hearts' of football players and fans across the country.
In particular the nation was touched by the close bond Defoe shared with the courageous youngster, who he called an 'inspiration'.
Striker Defoe, 34, signed a three-year deal with the the club after leaving Sunderland, Bradley's team, following their relegation from the Premier League.