Defoe's focus now on family

Defoe will take great pride from reaching the milestone if he plays a part in England's opening 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Moldova on Friday evening (Saturday morning AEST).

But the Tottenham Hotspur player has had to deal with bigger issues with the death of his father through cancer and one of his cousins being electrocuted in a swimming pool during the past few months.

He said: "You get disappointments in life and then everything turns good but it has been difficult for me and my family. It has been hard, especially with my dad.

"From day one, when he was diagnosed, I was with him from the first meeting in the hospital. I am only 29 and to deal with that was quite difficult.

"I had to tell dad my 'it will be okay and be positive, keep praying and have faith.'

"I have always known about cancer but to be around someone who has cancer and to see what it does in such a short space of time was mad."

Defoe admitted: "It makes you think about your life and what is important. I have got a big family and we have always been close.

"If you have an argument with someone and you sulk, sometimes you don't want to speak to them. But it is important to keep your friends close to you and do the right things.

"It did make me think about my life especially with what happened with my cousin as well, electrocuted in a pool. She was only 21.

"To be honest, the only time I am really at peace is when I am training and playing. Obviously when you are on your own you start thinking stuff.

"I remember Craig Bellamy saying there was more to life than football in terms of family.

"When you are young nothing is more important than football but, as you get older, you get married, have kids and lose people. Then you realise your family is more important."

The double tragedy has made Defoe determined to enjoy his football career even amidst an up and down start to the season at White Hart Lane.

Defoe signed a new contract and has started all three Premier League games but new manager Andre Villas-Boas has come in for criticism.

He said: "When I was a kid I always wanted to play for my country and now I am here, I will enjoy it. That's it. Life is short. While you are here, it is important to enjoy the good times.

"It was a bit mad at Tottenham. You would walk into the changing rooms, see the lads and don't know if you would see them the next day.

"I had my wisdom tooth out, missed one day, came in and Tom (Huddlestone) had gone to Stoke (in a proposed loan deal which did not go through). Someone else had gone as well. I said to the lads 'I miss one day and all the players are gone!'

"It has not been an ideal start but it is important for us to stay together and to keep doing the things we are doing. I am sure it will come good."

Defoe has faith in Villas-Boas to revive Tottenham.

He said: "Managers come and go. At Tottenham, I have played under Jacques Santini, David Pleat, Martin Jol, Harry Redknapp. It is something you get used to.

"When the new manager comes in with different tactics and a different way of playing, it can be difficult. There will be a lot of changes and sometimes in takes time.

"Also it takes time for the manager to get used to the players. It is such a long season and I'm sure we will come through fine.

"We have good players and we have made some good signings. It is a matter of time."