Lazio legend Paolo di Canio has revealed Roberto Mancini wanted him as his No2 with Saudi Arabia.

Mancini resigned as Italy coach over the summer before taking the Saudi post.

Di Canio told La Stampa: "It's not just a no to petrodollars, it would have been an important experience in a football that invests to grow and establish itself. Roberto hadn't offered me a marginal role, he wanted me as a second coach on the pitch to train and improve his players.

"I was proud, also because we don't have a special relationship: a few games of padel, a chat and nothing more.

"If he thought of me it's because he believes in my ideas and my work, I want to thank him. It wasn't easy, I hesitated for a long time but in the end I decided to follow my heart."