Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the coach of Saudi Arabia national football team. Various sources have confirmed that he signed a contract with Saudi for 25 million dollars after leaving Italy earlier this month.
Last year in Qatar World Cup, Saudi Arabia lost the first match against Argentina. The Middle Eastern country was without a coach until now when Harvey Renard left Saudi Arabia to take charge of the national women’s team in France.
Italy won the Euro 2020 title under Mancini, 58, but failed to qualify for the World Cup last year. After signing a four-year contract with Saudi Arabia, Mancini said, ‘It is a great honor for me to be offered the coach of the Saudi Arabian national team. I believe this is a great opportunity for me. As a coach of one of the most popular teams in a new country, especially in Asian football, I can have a different experience. The way the top European players are coming to play in the Saudi professional league at the moment, the potential for the improvement of this country’s national team has emerged.
Mancini’s decision to leave Italy disappointed many. Earlier this month, he was given charge of the U-21 and U-20 teams. However, his decision to accept Saudi Arabia’s offer of a large sum of money has drawn much criticism. However, Italy denied receiving the Saudi offer as the reason for his resignation from the team.
(28 August/MM)