I have owned this Shimano Citica for a few months now and I have noticed the reel handle has play in it going in and out of the body. Every thing else seems normal but I am concerned about the play it has in the handle. Is this normal?

Normal?  Yes.  Desirable?  Not especially but as long as the reel casts and retrieves OK, I wouldn't worry about it.  A lot of Shimanos have this characteristic.

There is a small amount of "back play" in most Shimanos. As long as the reel was put back together correctly and the handle nut is tight it should be fine.

People have solved this "problem" by putting a shim under the drive shafts bearing/bushing.  I wouldn't be to concerned though.

I own shimanos that are now 15 years old and most models in between, I would consider it a non issue. Have the reel serviced and cleaned properly every year and that thing will probably last you a lifetime. 

39 minutes ago, webertime said:

People have solved this "problem" by putting a shim under the drive shafts bearing/bushing.  I wouldn't be to concerned though.

This works!!

It's normal. Won't hurt a thing.