Roberto Mancini has reflected on Antonio Conte being appointed Italy Coach and on Mario Balotelli’s diminishing chances in the game.
Roberto Mancini has reflected on Antonio Conte being appointed Italy Coach and on Mario Balotelli’s diminishing chances in the game.
The former Inter, Manchester City and Galatasaray was seen as in contention for the Azzurri post this summer, but insists he's not bitter at being overlooked for the role.
“If it was me taking home the kind of salary I've read about in the papers, there'd be a parliamentary inquiry,” Mancini has told Sky Sport Italia this week.
Conte's contract is reportedly worth €8.2m over two years, with part of the money coming from the team's technical sponsor, Puma.
“There are no hard feelings,” insisted Mancini. “I know how football works, so there are absolutely no hard feelings.
“A lot of inaccurate things have been said, as often happens, but it's useless to dwell on them.
“The national team is the national team, there are many clubs but if the national team calls you it's always a nice, important thing to represent your country. There will be time for me anyway.”
The 49-year-old was also asked for his views on his former protege Mario Balotelli's move to Liverpool.
“For what Mario has achieved, the price paid is about right. For what he could achieve, it's very low.
“At this time, Milan, Liverpool and the player were all happy, so it made sense.
“Mario will not have many more opportunities to demonstrate his worth, I hope he understands that and takes his chance.”