Former Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe has written an emotional tribute to six-year-old Bradley Lowery, who lost his fight with neuroblastoma yesterday.
Defoe, who played for Bradley's beloved Sunderland until the end of the season, struck up a close bond with him.
A statement said: "You can wear whatever you want for the funeral but the family and friends have chosen the theme cancer has no colours". I feel so blessed God brought u into my life and had some wonderful moments with you and for that I'm so grateful.
The England player, who recently transferred to Bournemouth, wrote: "Really finding it hard to find the words to express what u mean to me".
"The way you say my name, your little smiles when the cameras come out like a superstar and the love I felt when I was with you. You will never know what a difference you made to me as a person", he added. God has you in his arms and I'll always carry you in my heart. Sleep tight little one.
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The child's courageous battle was exposed to a wider audience at the beginning of last season at the Premier League game between Everton and Sunderland as his name was chanted by both sets of fans in the fifth minute - he was then five - and Everton then donated generously to the fund for his proposed treatment in the United States.
He formed a remarkably close bond with striker Jermain Defoe, with the England global regularly visiting Bradley and his family, both at home and in hospital.
Sunderland said in a statement: "Bradley captured the hearts and minds of everyone at our club with his indomitable spirit, tremendous courage and lovely smile, which could light up even the darkest of rooms".
Defoe broke down last week when asked about Bradley. There are no words to describe how heart broken we are.
"We would like to extend our honest thanks to every club and fan who supported Bradley in recent months and showed such warmth and kindness to the Lowery's - we are truly grateful".
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