Mancini and Galatasaray go their separate ways

Roberto Mancini has left Galatasaray AŞ by mutual consent eight months into the three-year contract he signed last year.

Under Mancini's tutelage, Cimbom won the Turkish Cup last month, finished the 2013/14 Süper Lig campaign in second and reached the UEFA Champions League round of 16. "By Mr Mancini's request and by mutual agreement, the contract was terminated. The parties have agreed to part ways with full friendship and understanding. We want to thank him for his efforts and wish him success and good luck for the future," read a club statement.

Mancini added: "I had done my duty with passion and we were successful in the UEFA Champions League, won the Turkish Cup and finished the league as runners-up. When I accepted the role, the club had different targets and now I have decided to end my time here. We mutually agreed to part company but I'm sad to be leaving Istanbul and the fans."

The former Italy striker took his first steps in coaching as assistant to Sven-Göran Eriksson at SS Lazio before assuming control of ACF Fiorentina where he lifted the Coppa Italia. After repeating that success at Lazio, the 49-year-old helped FC Internazionale Milano to three successive Serie A titles, the last in 2007/08. Mancini then ended Manchester City's trophy drought by guiding them to the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League crown in 2012.