Paolo Di Canio has told of his gratitude to West Ham United and then-manager Harry Redknapp for giving him a ‘second life’ in football.
The enigmatic Italian had been given an eleven-match ban after pushing referee Paul Alcock to the ground after being sent-off playing for Sheffield Wednesday in September 1998 and, at the age of 30, his time in the English game appeared to be over.
Di Canio returned to his home city of Rome to reflect on his mistake and avoid the scrutiny which followed, before receiving a call from Hammers boss Redknapp inviting him to end his exile and continue his career in Claret and Blue.
“I’m a genuine guy and was obviously wrong, when I pushed the referee,” recalled Di Canio, who will be reunited with his beloved West Ham fans when Club London presents ‘Icons’ with Lilley Plummer Risks at The Indigo at The O2 on Tuesday 2 December.
“I made a bad sporting gesture that day and, after receiving a ban, knew I couldn’t stay in England. Going home to Italy, I thought I would never be able to return to the Premier League, but Harry Redknapp then gave me an incredible opportunity to come to West Ham United. I hadn’t played for four months, and the newspapers wrote that, as a manager, he was bonkers for taking a big, big gamble on me.
“Harry just told everyone: ‘No! I’m bringing Paolo Di Canio into my dressing room. Can you imagine what it’s like to be able to pick a player like him?’
“When I signed the contract, I said to my friend, Marco: ‘I’ve just been given a second life.’ It was an amazing and wonderful moment for me.
“The Hammers supporters were brilliant right from the very beginning, too. Claret and Blue poured deep into my heart straight away, and it’s never, ever left me to this day.”
Redknapp was convinced his gamble would pay off.
“You will all have your opinions,” said the manager. “But, in the end, I'll be right.”
He was. Di Canio signed for West Ham on a three and a half year contract in January 1999, publicly apologised, and went on to become a cult hero in east London.
He scored 51 goals in 141 games, won Hammer of the Year, Goal of the Season and FIFA Fair Play awards and the UEFA Intertoto Cup, fell out with Redknapp and his successor Glenn Roeder, was recalled by Trevor Brooking, then scored and openly wept when the Irons were relegated from the Premier League in his final appearance.
Di Canio will share all those stories and more when he returns to London for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of football, entertainment and premium hospitality.
Club London presents ‘Icons’ will see him joined by hosts Tony Gale and Josh Denzel and fellow Hammers legends Stuart Pearce.
Standard Admission is priced at just £99, and Kings Row seats are priced at just £199.
VIP packages include premium West Ham United Club London hospitality, kicking-off with a welcome reception and meet-and-greet with legends, a three-course gourmet meal with unlimited drinks, entertainment, an exclusive auction of one-off memorabilia and experiences and a VIP after-party.
VIP Tables are priced at £5,400 for ten guests, or you can enhance your night by sharing a Legend Table with your heroes for £7,500 or £10,200.
Join the Paolo Di Canio at Club London ‘Icons’ this December by securing your place or Table HERE.
All prices are inclusive of VAT. This event is open to supporters aged 18 and over.
