Roberto Mancini has admitted he
is flattered to be linked with Sunderland and would like to manage
in the Premier League.
Mancini has been out of work since a
successful four-year spell with Inter Milan came to an end 12
months ago.
He is now looking to return to management and concedes his
preference would be to land a job in the top flight of English
football.
Speculation has already surfaced with regard to Mancini and the
vacant position at the Stadium of Light, with Sunderland searching
for a successor to Ricky Sbragia.
And Mancini has responded to the reports by indicating that he
would consider taking charge of the Black Cats.
"I am very flattered to be linked with the vacant manager's job
at Sunderland," said the Italian in a statement given to Sky
Sports News.
"It would be an honour to manage such a
prestigious and historic club in the Premier League.
"I have enjoyed a year out following winning the Scudetta on
three consecutive occasions.
"Having completed a year of media commitments I'm now ready to
return to full-time management."
"Ideally I would like that to be in the Premier League. I want
to test myself against the very best."