Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was rumoured to be interested in Distin earlier today.
Redknapp said: “I’ve been down that road a few times before and to be honest I panicked when I heard about it.
“But thankfully we struck an agreement with Sylvain and I am really pleased we’ve got him.
“Last year when we showed an interest in him his price was £5m so to get him for free has got to be great business for the club.”
