Man City fires manager Roberto Mancini

Manchester City's coach Roberto Mancini gestures during their English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United in Manchester, northern England, in this April 8, 2013 file photo. Manchester City sacked manager Mancini on May 13, 2013 following his team's feeble defence of the Premier League title they won exactly one year ago. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Italian manager Roberto Mancini was fired by English Premier League club Manchester City on Monday, one year after he coached the team to their first English league title in 44 years.

The 48-year-old was sacked by Italian giants Inter Milan in 2008 and started to work as City manager in 2009. On May 14, 2009 Mancini led City to their first major silverware in 35 years with a 1-0 victory over Stoke in the FA Cup final.

In May 2012, Man City claimed their first league title in 44 years after Sergio Aguero's dramatic late winner against QPR helped City to edge over Man United on goal difference.

However the ongoing 2012-2013 season saw Man United restored their realm as the red devils clinched the league title with four matches to go, while Man City only ranked second on the table and ended their Champions League campaign at the bottom of Group D without a single win.

With City's shock FA Cup Final defeat by Wigan at Wembley on Saturday being the last straw, the club's Abu Dhabi-based owners confirmed Monday to sack Mancini who still had four years remaining on his contract.

"Roberto's record speaks for itself, he has clearly secured the love and respect of our fans," said City chairman Khladoon Al Mubarak.

"He has done as he promised and delivered silverware and success."