Revealed: Reasons behind Roberto Mancini’s ‘cold’ sacking in Saudi Arabia – along with eye-watering tax-free severance pay figure

Roberto Mancini’s ‘millionaire farewell’ from Saudi Arabia was caused by ‘many misunderstandings’ and ‘a promised love that never blossomed’, according to detailed reports in Italy.

Former Manchester City manager Mancini, 59, accepted a role with the Saudi national team in August last year but his four-year contract lasted just one year before he left this week.

It is understood that the Italian, who won Euro 2020 with his own country, earns approximately £21 million a year.

And reports from Saudi and Italy have revealed that his severance pay is between €20m (£16.7m) and €25m (£20.8m) tax-free.

Today, Gazzetta dello Sport says Mancini is ‘cold, detached and has an air of superiority that alienates him from people’.

In Saudi Arabia, Roberto Mancini was said to be ‘cold, distant and with an air of superiority’

Mancini upset the locals in this year’s Asian Cup and this appears to be the point that led to his resignation as manager.

During Jurgen Klinsmann’s penalty shoot-out against South Korea, which Saudi Arabia would lose, Mancini left before defeat was even decided and had to apologize.

This followed this with just five points from 12 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s always a special moment when a relationship ends,” Mancini’s son Andrea told Radio Serie A this week.

Saudi fans disappointed after Mancini’s quick departure during clash

‘Those who do this job know this can happen. This was a consensual decision, things don’t always go the way you think they will. I spoke to him, he is calm, he will probably take a break but he is keen to come back because he is still young and has a lot to give to football.

‘I’m sorry, that’s what he believed when he decided to go to Arabia, he believed that he could do a good job.’

Mancini is not the first big-money player to quickly leave Saudi Arabia since the influx of money into the football league in the last two years.

Former England vice-captain Jordan Henderson and former Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin are among the players who returned to leave Saudi Arabia shortly after signing contracts.