Riyadh, Oct 25:  Roberto Mancini has left his role as head coach of Saudi Arabia's national team, the country's soccer federation said Thursday.

Mancini, who won the European Championship as Italy's coach in 2021, left by mutual consent, it said. The former Inter Milan and Manchester City manager won multiple titles in a storied career as both player and coach. But he failed to lead Saudi Arabia to victory at the Asian Cup this year — exiting the tournament in the round of 16. Indian Football Team Climbs One Place to 125th in Latest FIFA Rankings.

His actions during that match in Qatar also sparked controversy when he walked off before the end of his team's losing penalty shootout against South Korea. He later apologized. Mancini had been hired by Saudi Arabia in August 2023 — two weeks after he left his job in charge of Italy. Erik ten Hag Warns Red Devils' Injury Crisis Could Leave Them 'Short' for Season Ahead of Fenerbahce vs Manchester United UEFA Europa League 2024–25 Showdown.

As manager of Inter Milan, he won three Italian league titles and went on to win the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013 thanks to Sergio Aguero's dramatic late goal on the final day of the season.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)