AC Milan legend George Weah has backed Roberto Mancini to become the next coach of Monaco.
The Ligue 2 side, taken over by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in December 2011, are leading the French second-tier standings with nine matches remaining but are expected to oust current boss Claudio Ranieri at the end of the season.
Despite some fervent denials from the former Inter boss, Mancini has been tipped to succeed Ranieri, and Weah has backed him as a prime candidate for the role.
"Mancini would be a good appointment for Monaco, they have an interesting history, and of course, Arsene Wenger was one of their former coaches - and probably their most important - but since he left they have struggled," Weah told talkSPORT.
"I hope the new owners can bring them back to their former glories. They want the team to grow and my heart goes out to them because Monaco were my first club. We all want to see them back amongst the best teams in Ligue 1."
Weah enjoyed a successful three-year spell at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to England with Chelsea and City - all of whom have since benefitted from overseas investment - but he admitted he holds the Blues closest to his heart.
"The facilities are good, but it's a whole new Chelsea from the one I knew. It has been a beautiful and huge investment, and above all it's a good thing for the future of Chelsea," he added.
"I've watched (City) on TV and they are very different now but their investment has been for the good of the game.
"I've not had a chance to speak to anyone at City recently but they were very good to me. Chelsea were different because I had a personal relationship with them and I've maintained my contact with them.
"Paris are doing very well and we must congratulate them, but we all know that they have very good resources. I hope they continue to do well. The Champions League is difficult to play in but they have the potential to win it."
