Former Italy and Napoli defender Paolo Cannavaro has revealed he almost joined Manchester City after falling out with legendary coach Rafael Benitez.
Cannavaro played 278 games across two spells in southern Italy – the first from 1998-2001 and the second from 2006-14. During his seven-year spell at Parma, he had spells at Verona and Sassuolo.
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Although Cannavaro’s career was not as good as that of his brother Fabio – who won the 2006 World Cup, two La Liga titles and the Ballon d’Or with the Italian national team – Cannavaro still has the credentials for a successful career, winning two Italian Cups and an Italian Super Cup.
After a fruitful time at Napoli, there was some controversy over his departure from the club more than a decade ago due to the breakdown of his relationship with then-Napoli manager Rafael Benitez.
Cannavaro, 44, has said over the years that he felt he was being forced out of the club by the former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager, despite his desire to stay due to his close relationship with Napoli fans.
The former centre-back eventually joined Sassuolo on loan in January 2014, playing 16 games before eventually moving to Sassuolo permanently the following summer, where he made a further 104 appearances.
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“Was it Rafa Benitez’s fault that I left in 2014? Everyone makes their own decision,” Cannavaro told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview broadcast by Sport Witness.
“He (Benitez) chose to disband his previous team and renew his contract. I’m just sorry that I didn’t have the chance to change his mind, but he knew what I thought. I even told him face to face.”
However, Manchester City seemed to be an option for the Italians at the time. “Can I really go to Manchester City (Benitez)? I’m open to a move just because I realize I won’t have a place next to Benitez,” Cannavaro added.
“I originally wanted to (join Manchester City in 2014) but it didn’t work out because Napoli wanted too much.”
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Cannavaro’s move to the Etihad Stadium would prove prolific for both sides, given his ability to command the backline of any team, although City’s defensive structure in 2014 was one of the strongest since the club took over in 2008.
With Joe Hart in goal behind the likes of Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Eliaquim Mangala, the Premier League side tightened their grip on the rest of England’s top flight.
Managed by Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and now Pep Guardiola after the Sheikh Mansour-led Abu Dhabi United Group bought the club in 2008, City are seeking a ninth Premier League title this season – which would be their fifth in six seasons.
