Birmingham Manager Harry Redknapp Reveals He Feared for Life During Pre-Season Cancer Scare
Birmingham City Harry Redknapp has revealed he feared for his life after being rushed to hospital to remove a tumour from his bladder.
The former Tottenham and Queens Park Rangers manager told The Sun how he thought the cancer scare could kill him.
He said: “I could feel it in my body — I knew it wasn’t right.
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Harry Redknapp, Manager of Birmingham City celebrates after his side avoid relegation after the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Birmingham City at Ashton Gate on May 7, 2017 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Michael Steele/GettyImages
“This is the first time I’ve been properly worried.
“I knew I didn’t feel good, you know when something isn’t right, but it was Sandra who pushed me to the doctor in the end.”
The 70-year-old will now have regular check-ups every three months and has been given the green light to begin Birmingham City's pre-season training programme after test results came back negative.
Redknapp added: “I am lucky, I know that because it could have been malignant.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Harry Redknapp arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on May 14, 2017 in London, England. Tottenham Hotspur are playing their last ever home match at White Hart Lane after their 112 year stay at the stadium. Spurs will play at Wembley Stadium next season with a move to a newly built stadium for the 2018-19 campaign. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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“They cut it out, there was no other option.
“Once they did that I was up and about after a couple of days.
“I am relaxed about it now because what can you do?”
Redknapp has admitted his health will naturally decline as he gets older, previously having surgery in 2011 to unblock coronary arteries.
BRISTOL, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Harry Redknapp, Manager of Birmingham City celebrates after his side avoid relegation after the Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Birmingham City at Ashton Gate on May 7, 2017 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Michael Steele/GettyImages
He said: “It’s like anything, you get to a certain age and people start to get problems with illnesses.
“There are so many people I know, so many of my mates who have something, or someone else is struggling with another illness or problem. That is life, unfortunately.
“When they had it all checked out they told me it would be OK. I have to go for check-ups every three months now.
“They cut it out, took it away, sent it away to make sure it is not malignant and luckily everything was OK. I know I am fortunate.”
