Kanu Nwankwo performed for Portsmouth in the English Premier League from 2006-2012 but that wouldn’t have happened if Harry Redknapp had hearkened to a assistance from Arsenal legend Tony Adams In 2006 .
In a revealing chat with TALKSPORT , Harry Redknapp the gentleman who signed Kanu Nwankwo at Portsmouth disclosed how Tony Adams explained to him Kanu Nwankwo was 48 in a bid to discourage him from signing the Nigerian forward .
” Kanu … we experienced injuries at the commence of the yr , participating in Blackburn in the first game of the season . I haven’t bought a suit striker on the guides ” Redknapp started his narration .
” Hunting by the guide and seeking to discover someone . Suddenly I sit with Tony Adams, what about Kanu ?
According to Redknapp , Tony Adams replied ” He’s 48 .” At the time (2006) , Kanu Nwankwo was 30 decades outdated but Adam’s was not certain of his health level so encouraged Redknapp towards signing him.
Harry Redknapp was not persuaded with Adams guidance so manufactured even more enquires from men and women such as the Arsenal Physio’s in which Kanu had performed from 1999-2004 .
” I claimed whoa , he reported no (I should really not sign him ) . I spoke to the physio’s at Arsenal , they reported he’s in shape ,” Harry Redknapp Ongoing.
” I noticed him at West Brom past yr , I saw him two times and he performed well. Ultimately I ring up Kanu , ”
” Kanu , do you wanna perform this year ? He reported he’d appreciate to engage in . Do you wanna arrive to Portsmouth ? Yeah . I informed him occur down tomorrow Monday morning and we can do a offer . ”
At the time , Kanu Nwankwo was a no cost agent next the expiration of his agreement with West Albion . At 30, Redknapp was completely ready to take the gamble on the lanky forward .
” Great, Monday morning he turns up , I say we have a reserve match this afternoon , ” Redknapp disclosed aspects of his 1st make contact with with Kanu .
” I’m gonna participate in you in the reserve versus Cardiff . It’s not a trial , it’s just to make guaranteed your physical fitness is great and you are completely ready . (We) get you suit for the huge recreation on Saturday against Blackburn . ”
” I claimed he can have his medical right after the activity . Never do the medicals . Do it immediately after the video game . If it is rubbish , we are following the medicals . Engage in in the sport (Kanu ) two targets , two worldies and we sign him . ” Harry Redknapp concluded .
Kanu Nwankwo proved a deserving addition to the Pompey set-up , scoring a brace on his debut and ending the season as the clubs best scorer with 12 targets .
Papilo as Kanu Nwankwo is fondly called was instrumental to Portsmouth’s FA Cup truimph in 2008, scoring the winner in the Semi Last and remaining to secure an historic truimph for Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth .
A worthy reward for the gaffer who sticked to his conviction by signing Kanu Nwankwo for Portsmouth regardless of the odd “48 12 months old ” remark by Arsenal legend Tony Adams .
