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“I’ll Take You Out” – Millionaire Rapper Drake’s Phone Call Convinced Premier League Superstar To Play for MLS Soccer Club in 2014

Published 01/02/2023, 9:45 AM EST

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It’s not often that a phone call from a rapper changes someone’s life. But that’s exactly what happened when Drake called English striker Jermain Defoe. The popular rapper is no doubt one of the most popular celebrities in the world. Having multiple hit albums and songs, finding someone who doesn’t know about the rapper is hard.

Drake, who is from Toronto, is the brand ambassador of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns Toronto FC. Drake had some hand in one of the major signings of the club on January 2014 that came in the form of an England striker Jermain Defoe.

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Jermain Dafoe is a striker who played in the Premier League and also represented his country in World Cups and Continental competitions. Defoe, who was then playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, was convinced by Drake to sign with MLS club Toronto FC.

The phone call from Drake To Jermain Defoe

In a recent podcast, Defoe revealed how Drake’s phone call changed his mind about signing with Toronto FC. He said: “He was like, ‘Oh, yeah, you’ve got to come over. Like, what’s happening? Have you signed a contract yet? You’re gonna love it over here. Amazing city. I’ll take you out.”

After the call, Defoe definitely made up his mind. He said: “I was like wow. After that, deal was done”. After that phone call, Defoe decided to sign with Toronto FC, where he played one season. Drake’s phone call was just one of the factors that convinced Defoe to sign with Toronto FC, but it was an important one.

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Drake’s statement on his contribution to the signing

Drake had some interesting things to say after the signing. And people asking about his contribution to it. “I don’t know if I had an influence on him coming here. I think that all I did was give him the necessary information about a city he didn’t know much about,” Drake said.

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Drake further added: “I told him how great it’s been to me, and how great I assumed it would be to him. We had a great conversation. We built up a personal relationship. I’m excited to see him begin his career here. I just do what I can. [MLSE president Tim Leiweke] is the boss. It’s all Tim, really. I was just a piece of the puzzle, I guess”.

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The Canadian rapper might be acting modest but his role definitely was a big one. Drake’s involvement in the signing of Defoe is just another example of the rapper’s immense popularity and influence. It is clear that Drake is a powerful force in the world of sports and entertainment.

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Written by:

Saransh Chauhan

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Saransh Chauhan is a Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. He has an open-minded set of interests, from soccer and video games to anime and music. As an avid gamer, he enjoys playing all genres of video games.
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Edited by:

Sreeda U M