Roberto Mancini was only in charge of the Saudi Arabia men’s national team for just under 14 months but he still reportedly made a pretty penny.
The former Manchester City and Italy boss was understood to be earning around £21million per year in his latest role.
He had originally signed a four-year deal with the Saudi FA but a ‘joint agreement’ was signed this week to terminate his contract early.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Mancini will now receive €20m (£16.7m) in severance pay.
Mancini won eight of his 20 matches in charge, drawing seven and losing five.
Manager Roberto Mancini left his job with the Saudi Arabia men’s national team this week
Mancini was 14 months into a four-year contract when it was terminated early on Thursday
His last game was a 0-0 stalemate with Bahrain on October 15, which came just five days after a 2-0 defeat by Japan.
Mancini was seen arguing with a group of supporters following the draw with Bahrain.
The 59-year-old also angered his bosses when he spoke out against the impact of the Saudi Pro League’s investment in overseas talent, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mancini claimed that the influx of new signings had negatively impacted the national team.
He explained: ‘I said this many times, this is the only problem that we have. Three years ago all the Saudi players played every [league] game.
‘Today, 50 to 60 per cent don’t play in the games. This is the first problem, the only problem that we have.’
Saudi Arabia won eight of their 20 matches under the guidance of Italian Mancini, losing five
Mancini had been publicly critical of the transfer policy of clubs in the Saudi Pro League
Mancini led Saudi Arabia at last year’s 24-team AFC Asian Cup. His side were beaten by South Korea in a penalty shootout in the round of 16.
He was criticised for walking back to the dressing rooms before the final spot-kick had been taken.
‘I apologise for leaving early, I thought it had finished,’ he later claimed.
