Sinisa Mihajlovic has left his role as Serbia coach to take up the managerial vacancy at his former club Sampdoria.
The 44-year-old made 110 appearances for the Italian side between 1994 and 1998 and replaces Delio Rossi, who was sacked last week with the Blucerchiati in the Serie A relegation zone.
Mihajlovic has stressed that his decision to swap jobs was not due to Sampdoria's interest, but down to the uncertainty over his future and that of other senior members of staff at the Serbian FA.
"In recent days questions were raised over my future, because my contract was due to expire at the end of the month," Mihajlovic told reporters. Out of respect for Russia and the journalists, I stayed quiet until the final two games were played, but after talks with the Federation I decided that I will no longer be the coach of Serbia.
"I make this decision with much regret, because I set up a new generation and a new team for Serbia who have bright prospects. I leave the door open to maybe one day come back and be Coach of Serbia again.
"I accepted the invitation from Sampdoria, where I played for four years. I want to emphasise that Sampdoria's call had little influence on my decision, as I left because Federation President Tomislav Karadzic and secretary Zoran Lakovic could not guarantee they would stay in their roles."
Mihajlovic has previously managed at three different Serie A clubs, having had spells in charge of Catania, Bolgona and Fiorentina since retiring as a player in 2006.
Joe Fish
