LONDON: Roberto Mancini's (pic) new £37.5m new contract with Manchester City makes him British football's highest-paid manager, The Sun reported.   

The Italian ended speculation about his future this morning despite a £6.5m-a-year approach from the Russian FA.

 “I’m very much looking forward to the challenges and excitement ahead. The opportunity that exists to build on our recent success is huge,” said Mancini.

The Russians wanted the 47-year-old to take over from Dick Advocaat and steer their national team towards the 2018 World Cup, which they will host.

But SunSport revealed on Sunday that Mancini was ready to pledge his future to the Premier League champions.

And his mega £7.5m-a-year deal, which ties him to City until 2017, takes him way above Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson in the pay league.

Ferguson earns around £4m a year at Old Trafford.

But Mancini’s new contract recognizes his achievement of guiding City to their first league title in 44 years last season.

“I’m delighted to be able to give my all to City for a further five years," he said.

“This is a fantastic club from the owner, chairman, board and executive team through to the players, staff and fans.”

The news Mancini is staying will come as a huge relief to City supporters, who have taken him to their hearts.

He ended the club’s 35-year wait for silverware with last year’s FA Cup triumph — and followed it up by winning the Premier League on the final day 12 months later.

Mancini had been about to enter the last year of the deal he signed when he succeeded Mark Hughes in December 2009.


-mD

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