Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan believes the sudden death of Marc-Vivien Foe prompted Ali Benarbia to announce his retirement. The 34-year-old Algerian’s decision was made public last night on the day Trevor Sinclair completed his £2.5million move from West Ham.
The news about Benarbia was unexpected, as he played the first half in the friendly at Mansfield on Saturday.
Benarbia had earlier indicated he would have been content to be a squad player in the coming season. But Keegan shed some light on the situation.
‘I think that the events with Marc-Vivien Foe have had a tremendous impact on him and have made him look at life more fully,’ Keegan told the club’s official website.
‘It was not a gut reaction. He is a very proud man and very sensible if he knew he could not lead from the front.
‘He did not want to stay and pick up money if he was not playing.
‘Ali cost us nothing and gave us everything.
‘He is undoubtedly the best signing this club has made in terms of value and what he gave us.
‘It came as a complete shock to me when he came and told me after the game at Mansfield that he wants to call it a day.
‘It is entirely his decision and from that point of view it is the best decision for him.’
Benarbia has been granted his wish of leading the side for the last time next month when Barcelona open at the City of Manchester Stadium in a friendly.
Keegan said: ‘I can confirm that he will lead the side out at the new stadium and play for half an hour.
‘The fans will want to say goodbye. He told me he will be fit for the game.’
Benarbia became a firm favourite with the fans, scoring 11 goals in 78 appearances and claimed he wanted to finish his career on a high.
‘This is a decision I have thought about very carefully,’ he said.
‘My aim when I joined was always to help the team gain promotion, and then to become established in the Premiership.
‘I believe that we have done this, particularly after our ninth placed finish last season.
‘I also wanted to finish my career on a high, knowing that I have played my best and done justice to myself and the team.
‘My concern is that I would be unable to sustain the level required for another season in the Premiership.
‘I cannot think of a better club at which to finish my competitive career, and my thanks go out to the Manchester City fans, who quite honestly have been the most amazing I have ever played for.’
Meanwhile Sinclair, who has agreed a four-year deal with City, could make his debut tonight against Odense in Denmark.
