Left Italy for 'personal reasons'. Two weeks later, he takes over Saudi Arabia
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 28.08.23. | 10:27
Roberto Mancini becomes the newest name on the already long list of football mercenaries in the Middle East desert
The neverending exodus of European football stars continues as former head coach of the Italian national team Roberto Mancini has been confirmed as the manager of Saudi Arabia.
The 58-year-old gaffer signed a four-year contract and will be earning €30m per year.
What's interesting is that Mancini's arrival comes following his resignation as manager of Gli Azzurri just two weeks ago. Announcing the departure, the gaffer said the reasons behind such a decision were 'personal'.
Saudi Arabia imemteua Roberto Mancini kuwa mkufunzi wao mpya wa timu ya taifa 🇸🇦.
— Mozzart Bet Kenya (@mozzartbetkenya) August 28, 2023
Mancini amepewa mkataba wa miaka 4 na atakuwa anapokea Euro milioni 30 kwa mwaka. pic.twitter.com/Ib5AZ42BUy
The former Manchester City and Inter Milan coach guided Italy to victory at Euro 2020 but failed to lead the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar 18 months later.
Upon arriving in Arabia, Mancini said:
"I am immensely honoured to be offered the position of Saudi Arabia national team manager. I believe this is a great opportunity for me to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football in Asia. I firmly believe that the passionate footballing culture of Saudi Arabia and the intrinsic quality of Saudi players are crucial ingredients for success. The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene.
"The whole world recognises the enormous potential of the Saudi Arabia national team during their outstanding performance at the World Cup. The scenes of the fans following that victory were immense. They left their mark on the global stage, filling Saudi Arabian football fans with immense pride and accelerating the nation's footballing ambitions. We have the potential to improve further. The squad is strong with talented players. I believe we have what it takes to elevate our game if we work hard."
I am excited to announce that I am joining the Saudi Arabia Football Federation as Head Coach of the National Team. I am delighted and honored to have been selected for such prestigious role, as a sign of appreciation and recognition for all the work done during these years. pic.twitter.com/lW2pF0rVar
— Roberto Mancini (@robymancio) August 27, 2023
Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al Misehal added:
"We are delighted to welcome Roberto Mancini to lead the Green Falcons. His experience and proven track record at club and international level marks a significant step towards achieving our goals in international football.
"Roberto believes in Saudi football and our desire to develop top competitive players and take them to new heights on the world stage – including the Asian Cup in Qatar and qualification for the 2026 World Cup."
Mancini's first game managing the Saudi Arabia national team will take place on September 8 when they face Costa Rica in an international friendly at St James' Park.
