Christian Maggio willing to stay, but time running out

Christian Maggio has long been a fixture on the right flank for Napoli, joining the club in 2008 and staying through good times and bad. He became a name in Italy since joining the partenopei, as well as a full Italian international who had a regular place in the Italy side. Being in Naples has been great for Maggio's career in the last seven years -- but that time may be coming to an end.

His contract expires at the end of this season, and it seems doubtful at best that Maggio will be part of the side next season. He's lost almost all of his pace, he makes a lot more mistakes than he used to, and Napoli simply can't rely on him as they once did.

But that doesn't mean that Maggio doesn't want to stay. According to his agent, he's still trying to get a new deal done:

A renewal is still possible and we are in contact with the club. Over the next few weeks there must be some progress. There are some requirements, but we will see what happens.

-Source: Radio Kiss Kiss via Football Italia

As nice as it might be to see Maggio end his career in Naples, it might be the best thing for both club and player if he went elsewhere this summer. While Maggio can't perform at the level Napoli need him to, he's still got enough left in the tank to be a good starter for a team lower in the table.

Whatever Maggio's future holds, hopefully things go well for him. Every indication is that he's a pretty great person, and he's done a lot of good for Napoli. He deserves a happy ending to his career.