Inter Milan confirm Roberto Mancini departure

Mancini had appeared set to leave the club following a difficult 2015/16 season, and Frank de Boer is expected to replace him before the start of the season.

A club statement on their official site said:

"Inter would like to place on record its thanks to Roberto for the work carried out with the team since joining in November 2014."

The decision follows a string of bad results in pre-season friendlies for Inter, with defeats against Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Tottenham in the last 15 days.

The club, which came fourth in Serie A last season, failing to qualify for the Champions League, play their first game of the new league season against Chievo Verona in 13 days' time. Mancini was rumoured to have been unhappy since Chinese electronics retailer Suning Commerce Group Co Ltd bought a controlling stake in the club in June. Mancini's contract had been due to expire in June 2017.

The former Manchester City and Galatasaray coach had previously led Inter to three consecutive Serie A titles during his first spell at Inter between 2004 and 2008 but his second stint at the club was less successful.

“Today my professional engagement with Inter comes to an end,” Mancini told Ansa. “It's a solution the club and I came to together, in complete serenity.

“I wish to thank the Nerazzurri fans, who always backed me up with passion and loyalty, and the players, who have been splendid and impeccable professionals over these 20 months.

“I'd also like to thank all the people who worked with me at Appiano Gentile, the ownership of the club and the directors.

“For Inter, I wish a future full of achievements and important sports results.”

According to Gianluca Di Marzio’s website, Mancini’s next move could be to the Far East, with a number of Chinese clubs following him.

Ciro Ferrara and Fabio Cannavaro already work in the Chinese Superleague, while Marcello Lippi won the Asian Champions League while in charge of Guangzhou Evergrande.

According to calciomercato.it, De Boer will fly to Italy this evening to sign his contract with the Beneamata, ahead of an expected presentation tomorrow.

The former defender won four Eredivisie titles during his time in charge of Ajax, and was assistant coach as the Netherlands reached the World Cup final in 2014. De Boer represented clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona and Rangers during his playing career, as well as winning 112 caps for his country.