The Saudi Arabian Football Federation announced on Sunday the appointment of Italian Roberto Mancini as the head coach of the national team, succeeding Frenchman Hervé Renard. It stated on its account on the platform "X": "A tape of memories begins after which the journey of writing history with the Green will start."
"I am excited to announce that I am joining the Saudi Arabia Football Federation as Head Coach of the National Team. I am delighted and honored to have been selected for such a prestigious role, as a sign of appreciation and recognition for all the work done during these years," Mancini tweeted on August 27, 2023.
The Saudi Union's account posted an introductory video for the new coach, in which Mancini was seen choosing a green tie, reflecting the color of the Saudi national team's jersey. Mancini stated, "I made history in Europe, and now I have come to make history in Saudi Arabia."
Before the official announcement, the Italian newspaper "Gazzetta dello Sport" reported on its website on Sunday that Mancini, who resigned from his position as the coach of the Italian national team earlier this month, would take on the coaching duties of the Saudi team on Monday.
According to the Italian sports newspaper, Mancini, 58, signed a four-year contract, specifically until 2027, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation. "Gazzetta dello Sport" noted, without citing any source, that Mancini would participate in his first press conference on Monday in the capital, Riyadh.
