Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Harry Redknapp has lifted the lid on his reasons for resigning from Queens Park Rangers the day after transfer deadline day.
Redknapp, 67, has revealed he is "struggling so badly" with knee problems and broke the news to QPR owner Tony Fernandes with a 5.30am phone call.
"I was awake all night, thinking about it," Redknapp told the Daily Mail. "I'm struggling so badly now. I can't walk, I can barely stand and watch. I'm in pain all the time. I've been putting it off, and putting it off, but it has got to the stage where I cannot do the job.
"I booked a ticket for Fulham's FA Cup game with Sunderland on Tuesday night, but my first thought was, 'how am I going to get to the ground?' Even if I get a car park pass there is going to be some walking. I can't walk around Craven Cottage anymore, I can't walk down the street – that's how bad it has got."
Redknapp told Fernandes they needed "someone who can give it everything" in the final weeks of the season. QPR are struggling in 19th in the Premier League with just five wins from 23 games; the side have also lost all 11 of their away fixtures this season.
The decision to leave after a highly frustrating deadline day that saw no new arrivals to Loftus Road has been speculated by many as the real reason for Redknapp's departure. But he insisted that was not true.
"I haven't got the hump, we haven't had a row," added Redknapp. "I knew some while ago that we were not going to be able to get much done in January. We had one real target on the last day, Emmanuel Adebayor, because we are short upfront.
"But he was too much money. I accept that. There are no hard feelings on my part – I've not had a problem with Tony Fernandes in all my time there...
"I know what people think – that I've been sacked, or stormed off because we couldn't get the players in. My son Jamie said that my timing has to be the worst in the world. When I look back on my career, it certainly isn't my strong point – but I can't control what people think.
"I feel positive about the future at Rangers – Sandro is back at the weekend and he will make a huge difference. We've got other players coming back from injury, too – if I could get out and coach them like I could five years ago, I'd be optimistic. But I can't."
However, Redknapp did also say his management career has not yet ended.
"I still don't think I'm finished with football. When I've had the operations, I'll be looking for work again, I know that. I can't imagine my life without it. But right now, I've got to make my health the priority."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments