Napoli move makes great deal of sense for Man City midfielder
Published:It’s not just Italian cafe culture which should appeal to James Milner, as an often elusive starting place in Roy Hodgson’s England side could be sealed should the Manchester City man be receptive to Napoli’s interest.
According to the Daily Mirror, Rafael Benitez is sizing up a move for Man City’s English midfielder, as he looks to restore Napoli as Serie A title contenders and Champions League participants.
Milner has entered the final year of his contract with the current Premier League champions – who are 23/10 to defend their crown after seven games – so in theory will be allowed to leave for nothing in the summer of 2015.
Therefore the news of Rafa’s interest in signing him should be music to the ears of the frustrated Citizen.
It’s no secret that Milner has grown weary of warming the plush upholstery at the Etihad as he looked to seek assurances that Manuel Pellegrini sees him as a regular starter.
However, the fact that the former Aston Villa man’s contract has been allowed to run dangerously close to its conclusion is perhaps the best evidence that the 28-year-old is not valued quite as highly as he wants to be.
Ashley Cole’s summer move to Roma has served as a timely reminder that Englishman with the requisite class, which Milner has, can definitely further their careers by moving abroad.
At Napoli Milner would have the advantage of working with a manager well-versed in English and at a club where he would no doubt be deployed as a regular starter, which he clearly craves beyond all else.
Having achieved two titles with City, it’s not as if he still has something to prove in England either, while a move to another top Premier League club would most likely pose the same squad-rotation problems he’s trying to escape.
If Milner wishes to cement himself as an England starter with one of only two major tournaments realistically left for him to feature at, then a fresh challenge looks his best chance.
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