Roberto Mancini Sacked By Man City

club statement released on Monday night. The club statement read:

"It is with regret that Manchester City Football Club announces that Roberto Mancini has been relieved of his duties as Manchester City Manager. This has been a difficult decision for the owner, Chairman and Board to make and it is the outcome of a planned end of season review process that has been brought forward in light of recent speculation and out of respect for Roberto and his extensive contributions to the Football Club."

The statement continues to mention the disappointing season Manchester City has endured and that the club felt that removing Mancini was the best decision going forward. Assistant Manager Brian Kidd will take charge of City's remaining two league fixtures this season and the summer tour of the United States. In his three and a half years at the club, Mancini had spent well over £250 million at the Etihad, splashing the cash on players such as Yaya Toure, Samir Nasri, Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero since joining the club in December 2009. The Italian guided the blue side of Manchester to their first Premier League trophy last season, ending a 44 year wait for a title, but poor Champions League showings and finishing well behind United in this season's title race has cost him his position. Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini is the favourite to become Mancini's successor as was reported earlier this week. Despite the speculation of Pellegrini's status he has assured Malaga fans he has not been approached by Manchester City. Close rivals Manchester United will also be under new management at the start of next season after Sir Alex Ferguson has retired, with Everton boss David Moyes being named Fergie's successor.