David Bentley makes bizarre claim: ‘Pouring ice over Harry Redknapp ended my career’

Bentley was once billed ‘the next David Beckham’ but ended up retiring at the age of 29 with no major honours to his name.

The highly-rated right midfielder spent five years in Arsenal’s first team set-up but played just one senior game for the Gunners.

He left for Blackburn and eventually joined Tottenham in a £15million deal in 2008.

But Bentley says he regrets playing a prank on Redknapp that he believes started the end of his career. 

Spurs beat Manchester City 1-0 in May 2010 which sealed them a place in the next season’s Champions League and the inevitable celebrations got out of hand. 

Bentley, who made seven appearances for England’s senior team, was convinced by other players to pour water over their manager, but he didn’t realise Redknapp was doing an interview until it was too late to back out.

Talking to the Telegraph, Bentley spoke about the controversial incident, saying: “It was just a celebration, I wasn’t trying to make him look silly. 

“He wasn’t happy because he was trying to change his image and I went and chucked water on him. He wanted to be like Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Although he seemed in high spirits at the time, Redknapp admitted to Absolute Radio in 2011 that he felt disrespected.

“It was a bit of fun, but I wasn’t best pleased with it, I’ve got to be honest with you,” he said.

“I just thought it was a bit disrespectful if I’m honest about it, to tell you the absolute truth, you know.”

Bentley remained at Spurs for another three seasons but was sent out on loan to Birmingham, West Ham, FC Rostov and Blackburn before hanging up his boots.

Bentley’s best chance at rejuvenating his career was at his former home Blackburn but after coming off injured in a Championship fixture he knew his career was over.

“I went back to Blackburn and I came off in a game against Cardiff and said ‘that’s the last game I’ll ever play’,” he continued.

“My dad was in the stands and I told him, ‘I’m done’. He said ‘you’ll be alright,’ but I said ‘no I’m done’.”