Italian dismisses reports he wants return to homeland.
Roberto Mancini has put an end to speculation that he intends to return to Italy by confirming he plans to stay with current club Galatasaray for the remainder of his contract, reports Soccerway.
Suggestions had emerged that the 49-year-old was keen to return to his homeland, but he has distanced himself from these reports, confirming that he is happy to remain in Turkey.
Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I miss Italy, not only in affection but also for the football.
“But I will be clear – I am staying at Galatasaray. I have two years on my contract and I am fine.
“We will play in the Champions League, we will resume in mid-July.”
The former Manchester City boss enjoyed a solid if unspectacular first season in charge of Gala. His side finished second in the Turkish Super Lig, which was seen as a disappointment, especially as they finished nine points behind their great rivals Fenerbache. Although, they did win the Turkish Cup and reached the last 16 of the Champions League, narrowly losing out to Chelsea.
Far from plotting a move back to Italy, Mancini made it clear he wants to raid the country of his birth and bring some of their top players to Istanbul. He admitted that he attempted to sign Cagliari and Italy defender Davide Astori in January, but failed.
“What do I need? A defender, for the back four, a striker, a winger,” Mancini stated.
“From Italy who would I sign? People with experience, and in Italy there are so many who could be useful in Turkey.
“(Fabio) Quagliarella and (Davide) Astori? I like Quagliarella a lot, he can shoot, he has talent.
“We tried to sign Astori in January. Just as we had gone in now for Alex and (Seydou) Keita, but they went to Milan and Roma.”
Galatasaray’s next scheduled competitive match will be against Fenerbache in the Turkish Super Cup which takes place on 14 August.
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