IN the Premier League era, footballers often churn out the party line and are accused of saying things that are perceived to be what the fans would prefer to hear.

Jermain Defoe, the latest Wear-Tyne derby hero, was accused of that by a number of fans on social media in the build-up to Sunday’s meeting with Newcastle United when he claimed if he wasn’t playing he 'would have bought a ticket'.

And then, after scoring arguably the greatest ever derby goal to seal the Black Cats’ 1-0 win over Newcastle, Defoe described how his goal meant as much to him as scoring for England at the World Cup in 2010. There will be doubters, again.

But Defoe, who had tears running down his face after striking his stunning left-foot volley against the Magpies moments before the half-time whistle, spoke with sincerity. He might be an East London boy who has only been in the North-East since January, but he gets it. He gets what many others have failed to get.

Defoe already understands what it means to play for a North-East team and he is desperate to ensure that he keeps scoring, satisfying his own hunger for goals while satisfying the Sunderland fans starved of real success for decades along the way.

“You say things to the media, I suppose because you have to,” said Defoe, still marvelling at the incredible magic he wielded with his left boot to leave Tim Krul with no chance at the Stadium of Light.

“Since I have been here I have proven that I understand how big the club is and how much the people here love football.

“I also think I showed I am an emotional person after the goal went in. As the whistle went for half-time and as I was walking down the tunnel I thought ‘I’m crying and I’m on the telly’ but I didn’t care. For the fans and everyone it was just a special day.

“When you are a young kid playing football you want to play in massive games. The manager said to us beforehand, we were lucky to be playing in a game like this. There are so many young kids who wish they could play in a game like that. To be blessed enough and to score the winner is just amazing.

“I have always been like this but I think that’s because I am old school. Even when I have retired I will probably still have a kickabout with my mates in the park. I love scoring goals. When I know it means so much to the fans it just magnifies everything.”

Defoe’s stunning goal should, many would argue, rank as the greatest goal he has scored. And he has bagged some fine ones – highlighted by his initial response that it ‘definitely ranks in my top five.’

A few seconds later, having been reminded of the way Steven Fletcher’s flick was met with the ferocious strike with his ‘weaker’ left foot with brilliant technique, he suggested 'ok, it might be in my top two'.

“In terms of how I felt when I scored the goal, I got that same feeling when I scored in the World Cup,” said Defoe, recalling his volley from James Milner’s cross against Slovenia in South Africa 2010.

“I missed the World Cup in 2006, when I felt in my heart I should have gone. Maybe not played but I should have been in the squad.

“It hurt me when I didn’t go but I went to the next one and when I got the goal again I was emotional. After the game I was really emotional. That was scoring in a World Cup for your country. It felt the same on Sunday.”

Defoe has played in North London derbies with Tottenham and scored important goals. The seventh of his career against Newcastle, though, was extra special, given the significance it could also hold in the relegation run-in.

Victory lifted Sunderland three points clear of the relegation zone and earned a fifth straight win over Newcastle for the first time in the history of the ferocious Tyne & Wear rivalry.

Defoe said: “Going on the bus towards the game and seeing everyone outside the hotel, wanting autographs and pictures, there were so many fans there that I felt ‘wow, this is a massive game’. All I wanted to do was just win. I thought if we could win and I could score ...

“I have said many times that I missed the Premier League when I was in Toronto and it’s because of games like Sunday’s. Games like this are why I came back. Being at a club like this, they just love football.

“I was told before, that if I come here and work hard, score goals, they won’t ask for anything more. As a London boy, you don’t think you would be so far up north playing football but it was a special day and I am so glad I am up here. I want to say well done to all of the boys because it was unbelievable. Everyone working worked so hard.”

And it is that last comment which Sunderland’s players and head coach Dick Advocaat know they must stick to. A second home win over Crystal Palace this Saturday could be pivotal in the relegation run-in – and close the gap to Newcastle to just three points with six matches remaining.

Defoe said: “We massively needed the three points. Hopefully now we can kick on and use it. The lads have got to enjoy this but the season hasn't finished. We have massive games coming up. We need to be professional and win more games.

“Sunday more than exceeded my expectations. The lads just said wait and see ... even the warm up. I will never forget that day, but I hope now we kick on. Everyone is confident and we have to make sure this is just the start of a turnaround.”