Fired Roberto Mancini thanks Man City fans in full-page advert in local newspaper

MANCHESTER, England – Roberto Mancini has bid farewell to Manchester City fans by taking out a full-page ad in the local newspaper, thanking them for their support during his 3 1/2 years in charge.

The Italian was fired by City on Monday after failing to win a major trophy this season, even though he guided the club to the Premier League title 12 months earlier.

In an ad in the Manchester Evening News featuring a picture of a waving Mancini above the three trophies won at the club, he writes "You will always be in my heart" and signs off with "Ciao."

The headline reads "3 Unforgettable Years."

Retiring Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson said Friday that it's "quite amazing" that Mancini was fired.