Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte Thanks Departing Costa

Antonio Conte has thanked Diego Costa for his contribution to Chelsea's history in his three years at Stamford Bridge. Costa's 52 Premier League goals helped secure two titles in three years before a summer text message from Conte called time on his Chelsea career.

A fee has now been agreed for the Spain striker to return to Atletico Madrid in the winter transfer window, and Costa this week insisted he bears no grudge over his treatment.

The pair's sole season together was punctuated by a training-ground row at the start of the year but ended with the title, and speaking ahead of Saturday's game against Stoke, Conte said: "I don't forget that we won together.

"I repeat - for sure we want to thank him for his effort last season, not only last season but in the period he played for Chelsea."

The Blues boss ignored repeated invitations to expand on his feelings towards Costa, insisting "the past is not important" and preferring instead to talk about several of his current players.

Among those up for discussion were Eden Hazard, and Conte confirmed his playmaker is back in contention for a regular starting spot having lasted 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup.

Hazard was part of a mix-and-match line-up featuring young players Kenedy and Charly Musonda, who both scored in a 5-1 win.

Comments

Roma Midfielder Signs New Deal with Italian Club

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has signed a new four-year contract with the Serie A club. The 29-year-old Belgium international had been linked with Manchester United in Italian media, while Chelsea were also reported to be interested. This was coupled by suggestions that Nainggolan was growing impatient with the numerous delays in receiving a contract proposal from the capital club. However, the 29-year-old has put any doubts about his future to bed by extending his contract until 2021, in a deal that will see him earn €4.5 million per season, including bonuses, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I think I have demonstrated that this is what I always wanted," Nainggolan said. "I'm very happy that the club and I can continue our adventure and move forward together." Nainggolan has played 161 times for Roma since joining from Cagliari in 2014. Nainggolan becomes the third senior central midfielder to extend their contract at Roma th...

Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United Need, Says Fortmer Tottenham Manager

The signing of a proven world-class forward such as Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United need to compete for the biggest prizes, former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis has said. Sanchez, 29, joined United on a four-and-a-half-year contract from Arsenal on Monday, 22 January, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction in a straight-swap deal. "Sanchez is a real goal-scorer, he's talented and he's aggressive around the box and he makes things happen, he can pull teams through," he told Sky Sports.Francis described the Chilean forward as a match-winner who will aid United in their quest to win silverware by adding some much-needed potency to their attack. "It's [about] the present, you're looking to win trophies and looking to win competitions and, sometimes, you need to buy and have the finished article and Sanchez is certainly that. "It just makes them as a squad that much stronger. Certainly, a much bigger goal-threat with Sa...

‘Chelsea Needs more Bodies in Midfield' - Frank Lampard Advises Antonio Conte to Make Key Tactical Change against Roma

Frank Lampard has told Antonio Conte to revert to the gameplan which saw Chelsea overcome Atletico Madrid when they face Roma in the Champions League tonight. The Premier League champions will hope to solidify their position in Group C when they meet the same opposition who were unlucky to be held to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. Conte has largely stuck with the 3-4-3 formation which brought his side so much success last season but Lampard believes it is imperative he packs the midfield against the Serie A side, in much the same way he did against Atletico last month. On that night Cesc Fabregas, Timeoue Bakayoko and N’Golo Kante dominated the middle of the park, contributing to a 2-1 victory that represented Chelsea’s most complete performance of the season so far. Kante’s likely return from a three-week injury-enforced absence will come as a welcome boost to his manager who was forced to deploy David Luiz in midfield against Roma in the reve...

Plauseorminus

Search This Blog