Mancini: “I would have stayed with the Azzurri for another 10 years”

Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini claims he was sorry to have left the role: “I would have stayed another ten years.” The EURO 2021 winner left Italy last year in order to take charge of the Saudi Arabian national side, earning the ire of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina in the process.

Speaking on Italian news program ‘Che tempo che fa’, Mancini opened up about his decision to leave, insisting he was happy in the role:

“Do I blame myself for resigning as coach? No. I was very sorry because I was very well, I was very happy, I would have stayed with the national team for another 10 years.”

“Saudi Arabia? I feel good, even if the work is quite hard. Arabic? I’ve only learnt a few words.

“Sampdoria? Returning has remained my dream since the day I left, 15 years is a lifetime. I would love to. We were a team of friends and we’ve stayed that way, even if we don’t see each other much.”

“Gianluca Vialli? We had some wonderful years together, we were young, we had a lot of fun. I always feel him next to me. The fraternal friendship goes beyond everything. We were very close.

“He was very important in winning the European Championships, he had a very strong charisma. Once he came onto the pitch galloping as if he were on a horse, it was great fun. We won that game and continued to do so for a few matches.”