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Cruz shocked by Mancio exit	Wednesday 12 March, 2008

Julio Cruz admits he was "a bit surprised" when journalists told him Roberto Mancini had announced he was leaving Inter. The Coach made the shock statement in the newspaper conference with the Italian Press, insisting he had already told the players, but Cruz painted a different picture. "I have to say I was a bit surprised. He didn't say anything about it in the locker room. It is evidently his decision, but we have just been eliminated from the Champions League and everyone is disappointed." The announcement came after a 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool knocked the Nerazzurri out of the Champions League, 3-0 on aggregate. "We never considered he would make this decision. We had prepared well for this match and hoped it would end differently. "The important thing is from tomorrow to continue doing what we have up until now in Serie A and put this elimination behind us. "I think we had a great first half and played well, testing their goalkeeper. With the man down our fitness levels dropped after the break and we are sorry for the fans who gave us so much support."

Int 0-1 Liv: Inter exit amid Red mist Nicolas Burdisso was sent off and Luis Figo refused to play as Inter crashed out of the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Fernando Torres' Liverpool. More BREAKING: MANCINI QUITS INTER Roberto Mancini has sensationally announced he is leaving Inter at the end of this season after their Champions League exit. More Zanetti: We have what it takes Inter captain Javier Zanetti believes his team has the right mentality for the Champions League, but must be more concentrated. More Ibra: We were unlucky Zlatan Ibrahimovic was desperately disappointing again in the big game, but maintains Inter were simply unlucky. More Mancini blames dismissals Roberto Mancini insists “the only difference between the two teams were the red cards” after their Champions League exit. More Benitez: It was all over at Anfield Rafa Benitez admitted Liverpool had qualification in hand after the first leg victory at Anfield. More