New Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has admitted he did not want to leave Portsmouth. "I think walking away from Portsmouth has to be the hardest thing I've ever done," he told The News.
"I didn't want to leave. I love it here and I enjoy the life here. These are nice people and this is a great city.
"These fans are working class people like me and are fanatical about their football club."
But Redknapp remains proud of his achievements with Pompey.
"I leave knowing the club are in the best shape they have ever been left in and have great players," said Redknapp, who was granted the freedom of the city on Tuesday following Pompey's FA Cup success.
"I will never look at Pompey's results and hope they lose. I don't leave here with any ill feeling at all.
"I was choked when I saw Fulham had equalised late in the game on Sunday.
"I will always want the club to be successful because there are good people here.
"It's not been easy to leave, believe me. I hope people appreciate the fantastic times we've had.
"It's been six of the best years ever. We've always done our best and it's been an amazing, amazing journey.
"I've loved every minute of it."