New Saudi Arabia coach Roberto Mancini has hit back at criticism from Italy for taking the job.

Mancini resigned from the Italy post last week before taking the Saudi post.

The former Inter Milan coach stated on social media: “I want to thank all of you for the great support and true friendship you have shown me, especially in these hectic last few hours and days.

He continued: “Many of you have asked me about the reason for my exit from the national team and the timing of my new signing. I guess some of you have been confused by the press. On the other hand, misinformation and manipulation have been around for a long time.

“The timing is something that I have already said yesterday in the press conference, i.e. the real and concrete contact with the representatives of the Saudi Federation dates back to August 18th, nothing earlier.

“Furthermore, those who really know football know that the time it takes to reach an agreement is always extremely fast, even just a few days."