Former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has revealed how he was almost blocked from signing Paolo di Canio.

Di Canio became a Hammers legend in his five years at the club after joining from Sheffield Wednesday.

But Redknapp had to twist the arm of chairman Terry Brown.

Speaking on a Sky Sports show celebrating Di Canio's career, then-boss Redknapp said: "The chairman was very ante with me bringing Paolo in at the time.

"He'd had his problems and you could understand why but I felt he was a fantastic footballer. I loved watching him at Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday.

"And I loved working with him, he was a pleasure to have around.

"He was a fantastic footballer. Every day was a challenge with him, it was great.

"He was a special player. He could win a game on his own with a piece of magic."