Roberto Mancini confirmed as Saudi Arabia head coach after signing a ‘£21million-a-year deal’… just weeks after resigning from Italy role
Roberto Mancini confirmed as Saudi Arabia head coach after signing a ‘£21 million a year contract’… just weeks after he stepped down from his position in Italy
- Roberto Mancini has signed a contract with manager Saudi Arabia until 2027
- The 58-year-old has vowed to make more history after leading Italy to Euro 2020
- WATCH: ‘It All Begins’ – Episode 2 – The brand new football show from Mail Sport
Roberto Mancini has been appointed head coach of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team after resigning as Italy boss earlier this month.
Mancini confirmed his appointment on social media, stating in a video: “I made history in Europe, now it’s time to make history with Saudi Arabia.”
The 58-year-old, who will be officially presented on Monday, says he is ‘honoured’ with his appointment.
“I am delighted to announce that I will be joining the Football Federation of Saudi Arabia as the head coach of the national team,” Mancini wrote on Instagram.
“I am delighted and honored to have been selected for such a prestigious role, as a mark of appreciation and recognition for all the work that has been done over the years. I would like to thank the President Yasser Al Misehal.
Roberto Mancini has been named head coach of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team
“I have accepted to embrace such an exciting new project, based on a shared vision and purpose to grow the national football sector, the young talents and the generations to come, who have always been close to my heart.
“I believe this assignment is also a recognition of the importance of Italian football and I will continue to bring our Italian culture to the world with pride.”
Reports in Italy claim that Mancini has signed a contract worth €25 million (£21 million) a year.
Mancini has signed a contract until 2027, the year in which Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Cup.
His first game in charge will be against Costa Rica on September 8, taking place at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.
Mancini resigned as Italy manager on 13 August after five years in charge of the Azzurri, with former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti revealed as his replacement.
During his time as Italy boss, Mancini won Euro 2020 and also finished third in the Nations League twice.
However, Mancini failed to lead Italy to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mancini has taken charge of Saudi Arabia, which is ranked 54 in the FIFA world rankings
Saudi Arabia Under 23 coach Saad Al-Shehri had been in interim charge of the senior squad, which had been without a permanent coach since Hervé Renard’s departure in March.
Saudi Arabia qualified for both the 2018 World Cup and the 2022 World Cup, but both times fell out in the group stage. They did, however, beat eventual winners Argentina, with Lionel Messi 2-1 in the group stage in Qatar last year.
A large number of players now play club football in the country, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and N’Golo Kante.
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