Swansea man thanks Benitez for Premier League chance

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Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez believes Napoli boss Rafa Benitez helped him mature into a Premier League level player.

Swansea City’s Federico Fernandez has thanked former coach Rafa Benitez for assisting his development into a Premier League player.

The Argentine international moved from Serie A side Napoli to Swansea shortly before the transfer window closed and could be an important signing for the Welsh club.

As Napoli boss Benitez always got on well with Fernandez, the ex-Liverpool tactician didn’t want to stand in the way of a move to England.

“I already had the Premier League in my mind, so when this interest arrived I was able to discuss it calmly with Napoli,” Fernandez told Il Mattino.

“I really like being at Napoli but I was attracted by the Premier League and I can now say that this is a fantastic league.

“The way that I matured under Benitez allowed me to play in this league. Football is different here to Serie A. It is less intensely tactical and smaller teams can go to Manchester United and try and score. It’s a definite step forward.

“I really like Rafa Benitez. He sent me a nice message when I arrived at Swansea. They were three unforgettable years at Napoli in a city where the fans really passionately get behind their team.”