Harry Redknapp coached many world-class players throughout his illustrious managerial career, not least Gareth Bale.
Bale emerged as a superstar under Redknapp during the 2011/12 Premier League season, providing nine goals and 13 assists.
Many would consider the former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger the best player Redknapp has ever worked with.
However, Redknapp could not choose between Bale and West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio in a recent interview.
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Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United expresses an opinion during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park.
26 Mar 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United expresses an opinion during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park in London. West Ham United won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Allsport
Harry Redknapp cannot choose between Gareth Bale and Paolo Di Canio
Redknapp was asked to pick a combined XI of his best players from his managerial spells at West Ham and Tottenham.
The 79-year-old’s biggest dilemma was between Bale and Di Canio, a question he refused to answer.
“Oh, don’t be stupid,” Redknapp said to Josh Birdi on TikTok. “No, I’m not answering this one. They’re both in the team.”
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Nobody would argue that Bale had the greater career, winning five Champions Leagues at Real Madrid, but their Premier League careers are comparable.
Finish the sentence: My favourite Paolo di Canio memory is… ?
If anything, Di Canio had a greater impact on the English game in his four seasons at Upton Park than Bale at Spurs.
Meanwhile, another interesting choice was between former West Ham wonderkid Joe Cole and Luka Modric.
“Oh my god, that’s a stupid question,” Redknapp responded. “How can I choose? Joe was the best young footballer I’ve ever seen in my life. He was a genius.
“World footballer of the year, Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric.”
Even Cole would probably admit that Modric was the better player, even though he was also exceptional on his day.
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