ONE of the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorers, Jermain Defoe, has praised Forest Green Rovers for leading the way when it comes to veganism.

Defoe, who has made nearly 500 appearances in England’s top flight, follows an almost fully vegan diet and credits it as the major reason why he is still performing at the top level at the age of 35.

In an interview with the Dorset Magazine he said: “I made changes to my diet last season and instantly felt better for it, my girlfriend is a dedicated vegan and seeing what she was doing inspired me. I started reading up on the subject and discovered the benefits it could have for me.

“One of the big things for me over the past few years has been thinking of ways I can carry on playing for as long as possible. Cutting certain things out of my diet made sense to me. Why continue eating foods my body doesn't really need?"

Forest Green became the world’s first vegan football club over two years ago, and when asked about the club, he said: "Well it will certainly get people thinking about what they are eating, after all there must be a reason the club is choosing to do something like that. A number of players have asked me about my veganism, so I definitely think there's a curiosity within football and beyond about it."