Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp insists he has no intention of selling Robbie Keane despite the striker’s role in his squad’s controversial Christmas party.
Keane is reported to have gone against Redknapp’s express wishes and organized for his team-mates to have a festive party in Dublin earlier this month.
CHARITY
Redknapp ordered the players involved to make a donation to charity but did not consider taking the club captaincy away from Keane or selling him to Celtic, who are believed to be keen on a loan deal for the Republic of Ireland forward.
“Robbie is the captain and that wasn’t going to change,” Redknapp said. “Not a chance, and it never, ever entered my mind. I was never going to change it.”
ENTHUSIASM
“I don’t want to sell Robbie, there’s not too many Robbie Keanes about in the game. He has enthusiasm and knowledge, a lot of things that he brings into the game so he’s certainly not a player we’d want to lose,” Redknapp said.
“He’s still a big part, very much so. When we brought him here it coincided with a terrific run we had last year. He came and gave the place a real lift, and it’s been the same this year,” he said.
UNHAPPY
Redknapp has also been linked with a move for Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy this week following reports that the Welshman was unhappy with the appointment of new manager Roberto Mancini.
“He’s a good player,” Redknapp said. “He belongs to Manchester City, I’m sure they wouldn’t want to sell him. I tried to sign him before he went there.”
“It’s like asking me if I’m interested in Wayne Rooney, of course I love Wayne Rooney, but I won’t get him, will I?” he said.
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