The King:
"Not being able to play football made me realise just how much the game meant to me. It gave me time for contemplation and self-examination and because of that I came through it a better player and a better man.
"When I was punished for kicking the hooligan it would have been easy for me to turn my back on football.
"That was my intention. I was angry and upset, but Alex Ferguson came to see me in France and made me realise that I could not walk away.
"I have said before that kicking the hooligan was one of the most important things I did during my career. Not being able to play made me realise just how much the game meant to me.
"Ferguson supported me and I wanted to give him and the club something back in return.
"When I did finally retire from football it was because I had lost my passion for the game. There were other things I wanted to do.
"But during the time I was banned, returning to play for United was the only thing that kept me going."
Redknapp Snr:
"I signed Rio as a 14-year-old kid, so I probably know him better than anyone else in football. I can tell you that he doesn't take drugs, no way.
"He won't like it that questions are now being asked about him, but he will learn from it and come back a better player.
"If there is one thing about Rio it is that he concentrates so much on his football that he doesn't pay attention to the little things off the pitch.
"Football isn't just about 90 minutes on a Saturday, it's about small details that build up the big picture and about handling yourself in a professional way. I think Rio will be a lot more professional in his outlook after this."