Roberto Mancini claims he did an ‘extraordinary job’

Manchester: Roberto Mancini, the former Manchester City manager, says he is mystified over his sacking at the end of last season claiming he did an “extraordinary job” at the club.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his dismissal, Mancini said he was denied the respect he deserves for ending a title drought of four

decades. City made it known that Mancini had paid the price for reasons beyond football, his apparent lack of social skills causing numerous fallouts behind the scenes and ultimately leading to the breakdown of his relationship with the players and board.

Mancini did not address that, but felt his on-field success should have earned him more time. “Even now, almost two months later, I still do not understand why,” said Mancini. “It is still painful, I admit. I think I deserved more respect for what I had done for Manchester City. In 3 1/2 seasons with my staff, I believe I did an extraordinary job. The club had not won a league title for more than 40 years. I won a championship title, FA Cup, a Community Shield and, in the worst season, the last one, I lost a final and came second in the league.

“The numbers are clear. This sacking still does not have a reason. The Arab [Abu Dhabi-based] owners called me and said to me ‘in three years we want the title’, and I won it in the second year. And then I rebuilt a club that was not at the top level of football.”

City, meanwhile, may have to wait if they are to sign striker Alvaro Negredo from Sevilla. The Spanish club’s president Jose Maria del Nido said: “There have been no offers from English football.”