Revealed: Roberto Mancini’s ‘eye-watering severance package’ after being sacked by Saudi Arabia

Roberto Mancini was only in charge of the Saudi Arabian men’s national team for just under fourteen months, but he reportedly still earned a pretty penny.

It was believed the former Manchester City and Italy boss would earn around £21million a year in his latest role.

He had originally signed a four-year contract with the Saudi Football Association, but this week a ‘joint agreement’ was signed to end his contract early.

According to journalist Nicolo SchiraMancini will now receive €20 million (£16.7 million) in severance pay.

Mancini won eight of his twenty matches, drawing seven and losing five.

Manager Roberto Mancini quit his job with the Saudi Arabia men’s national team this week

Mancini was 14 months into a four-year contract when it was terminated early on Thursday

His last match was a 0–0 stalemate against Bahrain on October 15, just five days after a 2–0 defeat to Japan.

Mancini was seen arguing with a group of supporters after the draw against Bahrain.

The 59-year-old also angered his bosses when he spoke out against the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s investment in overseas talent, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

Mancini claimed that the influx of new signings had negatively affected the national team.

He explained, “I’ve said this many times: This is the only problem we have. Three years ago, all Saudi players played every [league] game.

‘Today 50 to 60 percent do not participate in the matches. This is the first problem, the only problem we have.”

Saudi Arabia won eight of the twenty matches led by the Italian Mancini and lost five

Mancini had been publicly critical of the transfer policy of clubs in the Saudi Pro League

Mancini led Saudi Arabia in last year’s 24-team AFC Asian Cup. His team was defeated by South Korea in a penalty shootout in the round of 16.

He was criticized for walking back to the changing rooms before the final penalty had been taken.

“I apologize for leaving so early, I thought it was over,” he later claimed.