Pepe Reina to Stay Put at Napoli
Spain international Pepe Reina is likely to stay put at Napoli for the remainder of his contract, agent Manuel Garcia Quilon has revealed.
The former Liverpool shot-stopper has a year left on his existing deal with the Naples outfit.
Speculation emerged last week that Reina could seek a reunion with former boss Rafael Benitez, who is keen to bring him to Newcastle United for the new season. However, this has been dismissed by Reina's representative, who insists that the goalkeeper will honour the final year of his Napoli deal.
The experienced campaigner walked out of the end of the season bash last weekend after president Aurelio di Laurentiis made fun of him alongside his wife. But, this has had no implications on his future with Manuel insisting that the player will perform as usual on the playing field.
“Pepe will stay at Napoli until the end of his contract,” he told Calciomercato24.com. “Certain issues have nothing to do with what happens on the pitch and do not interest us. He is staying at Napoli until 2018.”
Reina has largely had an unlucky career in terms of trophies after having managed just FA Cup triumph during his nine-year stint with Liverpool. He therein had loan stints with Napoli and Bayern Munich before the former signed him on a permanent deal two years ago.
The Spaniard has been ever-present in the Napoli setup since, and even a war of words between Reina and Di Laurentiis has not quite done enough to end his association with the Serie A club. Benitez had hoped to work again with Reina at St.James Park, but he may have to look at options elsewhere with the 34-year-old in no hurry to pursue a new challenge. One thing is for sure, Napoli may have a tough time convincing Reina into a new deal after the latest incident.