Roberto Mancini has said that he is ‘proud to be with Saudi Arabia’ after the federation’s President Yasser Al-Misehal revealed the nation’s intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2034.
Al-Misehal had recently disclosed Saudi Arabia’s intention to host the World Cup in 2034 in a recent interview with the federation’s social media team.
In response, Mancini said that he was proud to be part of the nation’s footballing growth and that he has particularly fond memories of Italia ‘90.
“A very proud moment for SAFF President Al-Misehal,” Mancini wrote on twitter. “I remember dreams coming true when my country hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1990. Proud to be with Saudi Arabia on its footballing journey.”
The former Italy CT unexpectedly resigned from his position in August, before being replaced by ex-Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti shortly afterwards.
Then, within a few weeks, Mancini had officially been appointed as the head coach of Saudi Arabia on a contract worth a reported €25m per season.
Mancini still goes in search of his first win with Saudi Arabia, having lost 3-1 to Costa Rica and 1-0 to South Korea over his first two games in charge.