If you needed proof of Gary Neville’s enduring passion for the beautiful game, then this is it.
Many retired footballers are quite happy to sit in a TV studio, chat football and collect a handsome pay cheque at the end of the day.
But not Neville. While the Manchester United and England legend has made himself at home in the pundit’s chair and become one of the nation’s favourite football analysts, his heart is out there on the field. Well, on the touchline these days.
The former defender, who has been working alongside England boss Roy Hodgson in a coaching role, could have kept his cushty job in the Sky Sports studio.
Neville, who is a popular figure on Monday Night Football with his straight-talking mix of humour and brilliant insight, was reportedly offered a £15m deal to stay as Sky’s main man, according to the Daily Mail.
But the 40-year-old, who also co-owns Salford City, turned down the offer of a five-year contract with the broadcaster to take up the opportunity to pit his wits as the manager of Valencia in Spain.
It’s a bold move for his first managerial appointment – and many lesser characters may have opted to stay in the TV studio – but the chance to manage a La Liga side was to alluring to pass up.
His first game in charge will be a baptism of fire in the Champions League against Lyon – which will ironically be shown on BT Sport.
However, the door to Sky Sports is still open to Neville to come back should his tenure at the Spanish club not extend beyond five months.
It looks like a mixture of Alan Smith and Jamie Redknapp will be keeping his chair warm for him during his sojourn in Spain.
