Spartak Moscow goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa says Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp accused him of faking injury to get out of a move to London.

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.

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.

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."