After their Champions League defeat by Liverpool last night, Mancini announced: "I think that these will be my last two and a half months on the Inter bench. After four years and even if I have another four years left on my contract, I will leave Inter. I have already told the players."

Mancini was asked if the Champions League elimination to Liverpool had played a part in this incredible decision.

"No, tonight's defeat has nothing to do with it."

To add to the layers of mystery, he then refused to confirm what he had said when he walked back out past the television cameras, insisting he would only talk about the game.