Harry Redknapp, the former Tottenham manager and current Soccer Aid England team coach, has opened up about his refusal to retire despite approaching his 80th birthday and facing several health issues. The 78-year-old admits he finds it difficult to say no to new opportunities, which often leaves his wife Sandra frustrated.
In a revealing 2023 interview, Redknapp shared that although he stepped away from professional football management in 2017, he has since kept busy with various television projects. These include his memorable appearance and win on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and his recent collaboration with his son Jamie Redknapp on the show Jamie & Harry’s World Cup Challenge for Sky Max.
“The truth is, I can’t say no to things – it drives Sandra mad,” Harry confessed to Saga Magazine. He went on to explain his recent pursuits: “I’ve done Harry’s Heroes for ITV, managed the team in Soccer Aid, and last year Jamie and I filmed our World Cup challenge. We had such a laugh.”
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Both Harry and Sandra have battled significant health problems over the years. Harry spoke candidly about a kidney cancer scare and having a stent placed in his heart. Meanwhile, Sandra faced ovarian cancer and severe throat issues due to damaged vocal cords.
One particularly harrowing moment came in 2018 when Sandra developed sepsis, leaving Harry terrified and nearly preventing him from joining the I’m A Celebrity jungle in Australia. “I was so scared I was going to lose her that I almost didn’t get on the plane,” he recalled. Yet Sandra insisted he go, and their emotional reunion on the show touched viewers nationwide. The moment saw Harry’s tears on screen and ended with him being crowned King of the Jungle.
Looking ahead, Harry is excited to return as coach for England’s Soccer Aid team, as they face the World XI in a charity match raising funds for UNICEF. Alongside Harry will be notable figures such as Wayne Rooney, Tyson Fury, Vicky McClure, and David James, all supporting the cause on and off the pitch.
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 airs at 6pm on Sunday, June 15, across ITV and ITVX.