Harry Redknapp accused me of faking injury to get out of a move, says Spurs target Stipe Pletikosa

By Ashley Gray Last updated at 1:01 PM on 19th January 2010

Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa has revealed that Harry Redknapp thought he had faked an injury to get out of a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Pletikosa broke down with damaged cruciate knee ligament in August - on the day he was due to fly into London to complete a loan move from Spartak Moscow.

And when Redknapp was called with the bad news, the White Hart Lane boss questioned whether the former Shakhtar Donetsk star was having second thoughts about relocating to the Barclays Premier League.

Sidelined: Pletikosa was crocked just before he was due to travel to London

Describing how he was struck down just a few days before the summer transfer window closed, Pletikosa said: 'In the morning I had already signed some papers. Then in the evening I was due to fly to Tottenham to sign the loan agreement.

'There was a light workout (with Spartak). We were passing the ball to each other and the funny thing is that I scored a goal, but down one leg there was pain.

'My knee was very sore, growing cold inside. I realised that it was broken.

'When doctors diagnosed it, I called my agent. He couldn't believe it. Redknapp, when he learned of what had happened, was very angry with me.

'He thought that I was deceiving him, and at the last moment had changed my mind to go. But then he realised that I really had a serious injury.

'In the end I didn't fly to London, but to Germany instead for surgery.'

The 31-year-old and Redknapp have since shared a good relationship and the keeper was invited to Spurs just before Christmas for a check-up on his progress.

Suspicions: Spurs boss Redknapp was wary at first

The Barclays Premier League high-fliers had identified Pletikosa as the man to challenge Heurelho Gomes for the No 1 spot and a deal has been mooted again for 2010.

'There was talk that my transfer could happen in January. But with Redknapp, we came to the conclusion that now the move is delayed. But he said that Tottenham are still willing to see me, when I'm finally restored.'

Pletikosa has been undergoing an intense physical training programme, but will not be ready to return to normal training with his team-mates until the end of the month at the earliest.

For now, he is determined to win back his place in the Spartak team.

The Russian season does not start till March, by which time Pletikosa should be back to full fitness.

He initially lost his place in the Spartak team because of a restriction on the number of foreign players in the Russian Premier League, rather than doubts about his ability, but he warns he will stay where he is if he becomes the first choice.

'You never know what will happen tomorrow,' he said. 'When I got injured, I said to myself, "maybe God wants me to play for Spartak".

'Be that as it may, I am a player of this team. I think only about Spartak. I must be ready to play at any time.

'I have a contract for another two years. I repeat: I want to play for Spartak. If I don't succeed, I will seek alternatives. I spent two very good seasons here, but I don't want to sit on the bench.'