Jamie Redknapp, 49, reveals he's undergoing knee replacement surgery

‘It was a constant battle’: Jamie Redknapp, 49, reveals he’s undergoing knee replacement surgery – 19 years after the injury forced him to retire from football

Jamie Redknapp has revealed he’s undergoing surgery for a knee replacement – 19 years after the injury forced him to retire.

The former footballer, 49, took to Instagram on Saturday to share an image from his hospital bed, explaining he has made the decision to finally have the procedure that will fix his knee.

He donned a grey t-shirt and a pair of shorts while wearing a knee brace ahead of the surgery. 

Procedure: Jamie Redknapp has revealed he’s undergoing surgery for a knee replacement – 19 years after the injury forced him to retire

Jamie told his 1.4 million Instagram followers: ‘So I have finally decided to fix my knee and get a full knee replacement. When I was just 18 I had of all of the meniscus removed from the inside of my right knee, hence making it being bone on bone and taking away the cushion that protects it. It has given me constant problems since. 

‘Whilst I was playing I had to have physio appointments at all hours. With the help of the incredible Kevin Lidlow it was a constant battle to keep the swelling down and pain under control, but after at least 12 surgeries I have decided to have it done.

‘At 27, I was lucky enough to meet an amazing surgeon called Richard Steadman. He managed to give me a few more years of my career, before I had to retire from the game I love at 30.’

Jamie has previously spoke out about the knee struggles he faced during his long football career, calling himself a ‘walking casualty’. 

Injury: Jamie has previously spoke out about the knee struggles he faced during his long football career, calling himself a ‘walking casualty’

Tough: The former footballer, 49, took to Instagram on Saturday to explain he has made the decision to finally have the procedure that will fix his knee

He added: ‘Having a young baby has also made this decision easier, as I need to be as mobile as possible so I can chase that little speedy rascal around. I want to thank you Dr Sweetnam, and your great team, for looking after me so amazingly well.

‘As you can see on pic 2 I assume I will be setting off the X-ray machines at the airport with my new titanium knee.

‘So here is to a new beginning, I’m excited for this next chapter. And watching all the World Cup games is going to make this rehab a touch easier.’

‘We love you so much’: The former footballer, 49, and his wife Frida Andersson, 39, welcomed their first child Raphael Anders together last November

Jamie and his wife Frida Andersson, 39, welcomed their first child Raphael Anders together last November.

The dad-of-three gushed over his youngest son on Instagram on Saturday as he celebrated his first birthday with a series of adorable snaps.

In one snap Jamie can seen holding up his youngest son while his older brothers Charley, 18, and Beau, 14, whom he shares with ex-wife Louise Redknapp , gathered around.

Marking the milestone, Jamie penned: ‘Happy 1st birthday Raphael . You have brought so much joy to our family with your cheeky character. We love you so much ❤️.’

‘You have brought so much joy to our family’: The dad-of-three gushed over his youngest son on Instagram on Saturday as he celebrated his first birthday with a series of adorable snaps

He and Frida have quite the blended family, with the Swedish-born model also mum to four children from her relationship with American hedge fund tycoon Jonathan Lourie.

This means that the pair have a blended family of seven children from their respective former marriages.

Jamie was married to Eternal girlband member Louise for 19 years before their split, with his football manager dad Harry recently admitting that it was ‘difficult’ for his family when the pair divorced.

Harry shared that neither his son or daughter-in-law were ‘used’ to the idea of divorce, but he and his wife Sandra swore they would ‘never interfere’. 

Speaking to The Times, he added that despite the challenges of Jamie’s divorce, everyone has managed to stay on good terms, and the footballer has now moved on with his new wife Frida Andersson.

In a joint interview with his wife Sandra, Harry reflected on Jamie’s divorce from Louise in 2017 after 19 years of marriage.

He said: ‘It was difficult when Jamie and Louise got divorced because both sets of our parents were married until they died, so we weren’t used to that.

‘We tried to never interfere, though, and have all managed to stay friends. Everyone seems happy now.’

So sweet: In another snap Jamie can seen holding up his youngest son while his older brothers Charley, 18, and Beau, 14, whom he shares with ex-wife Louise Redknapp , gathered around

Marking the milestone, Jamie penned: ‘Happy 1st birthday Raphael . You have brought so much joy to our family with your cheeky character. We love you so much ❤️.’

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