Roberto Mancini vows to ‘make history’ as he is confirmed as Saudi Arabia head coach after signing a ‘£21m-a-year deal’… just weeks after resigning from Italy role
- Roberto Mancini has signed a contract until 2027 to manager Saudi Arabia
- The 58-year-old has vowed to make more history after leading Italy to Euro 2020
- WATCH: ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ – Episode 2 – Mail Sport’s brand new football show
Roberto Mancini has been named as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s men’s national team after resigning as Italy boss earlier this month.
Mancini confirmed his appointment on social media, declaring in a video ‘I made history in Europe, now is time to make history with Saudi.’
The 58-year-old, who will be officially presented on Monday, said he was ‘honoured’ to have been appointed.
‘I am excited to announce that I am joining the Saudi Arabia Football Federation as Head Coach of the National Team,’ Mancini wrote on Instagram.
‘I am delighted and honoured to have been selected for such prestigious role, as a sign of appreciation and recognition for all the work done during these years. I wish to thank the President Yasser Al Misehal.
Roberto Mancini has been named as the head coach of Saudi Arabia’s men’s national team
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‘I have accepted to embrace such an exciting new project, grounded on a shared vision and purpose to grow the national football sector as well as the young talents and the future generations, who have always been close to my heart.
‘I believe this assignment is also a recognition of the importance of the Italian football and I will proudly continue to bring our Italian culture to the world.’
Reports in Italy claim Mancini has signed a contract worth €25m (£21m) annually.
Mancini has signed a contract until 2027, the year Saudi Arabia hosts the Asian Cup.
His first match in charge will be against Costa Rica on September 8, with the match taking place at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.
Mancini resigned as Italy manager on August 13 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 in third place in the Nations League on two occasions.
Mancini, however, failed to lead Italy to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mancini has taken charge of Saudi Arabia, who are in 54th place in the FIFA world rankings
Saudi Arabia Under 23 coach Saad Al-Shehri had been in interim charge of the senior side, who had been without a permanent coach since Herve Renard left in March.
Saudi Arabia qualified for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups but went out in the group stages on both occasions. They did, however, beat eventual winners Argentina, boasting Lionel Messi, 2-1 in the group stage in Qatar last year.
A host of players are now playing club football in the country, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar and N’Golo Kante.
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