The former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has taken out a full-page advert in the Manchester Evening News to thank fans for their support in his three and-a-half years at the club.
The Italian, who won the Premier League title last season – the club's first since 1968 – and the FA Cup in 2011 and Community Shield in 2012, has received widespread support from City's fans following his sacking last week and appears to have been highly appreciative of their affection.
Above a picture of the manager standing in front of fans with the FA Cup, Premier League title and Community Shield, appears the message: "Manchester City Supporters 3 unforgettable years." Below is written: "You will always be in my heart, ciao, Roberto Mancini."
The Malaga manager, Manuel Pellegrini, is the favourite to succeed the Italian, who "failed to achieve any of [the club's] stated targets this year," according to City's board in a statement confirming Mancini's dismissal last week.