It is now official, former Italy CT Roberto Mancini is the new coach of the Saudi Arabia national team, reportedly earning circa €25m per season.
There were already reports that a press conference has been set up for a hotel on Monday and the Saudi Football Federation announced it with a video this evening.
“I am excited to announce that I am joining the Saudi Arabia Football Federation as Head Coach of the National Team,” wrote Mancini on Instagram.
“I am delighted and honored 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.
“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.”
Mancini won EURO 2020 with Italy and then failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
He resigned from the Azzurri post on August 13, just nine days after he had been given extra powers as co-ordinator of the Under-21 and Under-20 youth teams.
Sell-out! Forza Sapalletti. Forza Italia!
Ridiculous.
Vergonati!
Apparently, they are making him convert to Islam.